This study evaluated two types of electrochemical sensing technologies that quantitatively detect ethyl alcohol vapor through the skin (transdermal). Transdermal alcohol concentration measuring devices use a new technology that has the potential for monitoring whether persons who are prohibited from drinking have consumed alcohol. The study evaluated the accuracy and precision of two devices, based on transdermal alcohol sensor technology, the Giner, Inc., Wrist Transdermal Alcohol Sensor, and the Alcohol Monitoring Systems Secure Remote Alcohol Monitor. The two devices, in different stages of development and were designed to be used with different populations, offer different strengths and weaknesses.
I While the technology requires improvement, transdermal alcohol concentration measuring devices do have potential for monitoring whether persons who are prohibited from drinking have consumed alcohol. Thus, these types of devices may provide another tool for courts, probation services, and treatment providers to aid in monitoring such persons to reduce alcohol-related traffic crashes.
