What is an alcohol testing instrument?

An alcohol testing instrument is a professional breathalyzer device used to measure the concentration of alcohol in a person’s breath. These instruments are commonly used for workplace alcohol testing, law enforcement screening, corrections monitoring, and substance abuse treatment programs.

What is a DOT-approved breath alcohol tester?

A DOT-approved breath alcohol tester is a device that meets federal Department of Transportation standards for workplace alcohol testing under 49 CFR Part 40. These instruments are used for regulated alcohol testing programs including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty testing.

How does a fuel cell breathalyzer work?

Fuel cell breathalyzers measure alcohol in deep lung breath using an electrochemical sensor. When alcohol molecules pass through the fuel cell sensor, a chemical reaction occurs that generates an electrical current proportional to the alcohol concentration. This technology provides accurate and repeatable breath alcohol readings.

What are alcohol testing instruments used for in the workplace?

Alcohol testing instruments are used in workplace safety programs to conduct pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty alcohol testing. These tests help employers enforce drug and alcohol policies, maintain regulatory compliance, and promote safer work environments.

Are professional breathalyzers used by law enforcement?

Yes. Law enforcement agencies use evidential-grade breath alcohol testing instruments to screen drivers, support investigations, and document alcohol impairment. Many professional devices include data storage, printing capabilities, and calibration tracking for proper documentation.

What is an evidential breath tester (EBT)?

An evidential breath tester (EBT) is a professional alcohol testing instrument designed to produce legally defensible breath alcohol results that stand in a court of law. EBT devices are commonly used in regulated workplace testing programs and law enforcement applications where documented results are required.

Who uses professional alcohol testing instruments?

Professional alcohol testing instruments are used by employers, law enforcement agencies, corrections facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, and school safety programs to monitor alcohol use and support compliance programs.

What accessories are used with alcohol testing instruments?

Common alcohol testing instrument accessories include disposable mouthpieces, portable printers, calibration equipment, simulators, dry gas standards, and carrying cases used to maintain testing accuracy and support proper documentation.

How accurate are professional breath alcohol testing instruments?

Professional breath alcohol testing instruments that use fuel cell sensor technology are designed to provide highly accurate and repeatable results. These devices measure alcohol from deep lung breath samples, which helps reduce false positives and improve reliability.

Does the RBT VXL automatically perform the DOT-required 15-minute waiting period?

Yes. When a screening test result is 0.020 BrAC or higher, the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL automatically begins the DOT-required 15-minute waiting period before guiding the Breath Alcohol Technician through the confirmation test.

What type of sensor does the RBT VXL use?

The Alco-Sensor RBT VXL uses an electrochemical fuel cell sensor that provides alcohol-specific, evidential-grade accuracy for professional workplace alcohol testing while minimizing interference from other substances.

Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite -- DOT Evidential Breath Tester

Description

DOT-Approved and NRC-Approved Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing

The Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite is a U.S. DOT-approved Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device engineered for employers and alcohol testing professionals who require accurate, legally defensible breath alcohol testing. Built by Intoximeters, the RBT VXL combines evidential-grade fuel cell technology with an intuitive testing workflow that helps Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs) perform compliant testing while reducing operator errors.

Whether you’re conducting DOT-regulated testing under 49 CFR Part 40 or managing a non-DOT workplace testing program, the Data Lite system delivers fast, repeatable testing with simplified operation and reliable printed documentation.

Unlike consumer breathalyzers, the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL is specifically designed for professional alcohol testing programs where regulatory compliance, evidential accuracy, and documentation are critical.

This device is programmed with a Quick Test mode so each test is fast and easy.

Quick Test mode collects the following data during a test sequence:

Reason for the test

Test result print out prints the following information:

Test result displayed as a 3-digit BrAC level
Air Blank result
Reason for the test
Time and date of the test
Unique test number
Device manufacturer
Device name and serial number
Device operating temperature

Trusted by DOT Regulated Employers and the Nuclear Industry

Organizations responsible for safety-sensitive employees require alcohol testing equipment that delivers consistent, defensible results. The Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite is approved for use by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) — following the testing protocols outlined in 10 CFR Part 26. This makes the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL an excellent choice for nuclear and energy industries where regulatory compliance and test accuracy are essential.

The Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite is trusted and proven by these organizations:

Drug and alcohol testing service providers
Nuclear power plants and facilities and NRC-regulated contractors
Occupational health clinics
Trucking companies
Transit (bus, subway, airline, railroad)
Third-Party Administrators (TPAs)
Manufacturing facilities
Utilities and energy companies
Oil, and gas refineries
Chemical manufacturing plants
Mining companies
Government agencies
Non-regulated workplace industries where employee safety is important

Why Choose the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite?

U.S. DOT-approved Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device
Approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for nuclear industry alcohol testing
Quick Test protocol simplifies workplace testing
Fuel cell sensor provides alcohol-specific, evidential-grade accuracy
Automatic 15-minute confirmation waiting period
Thermal printer produces permanent test documentation
Stores more than 1,000 test records
Portable design allows testing away from the docking station
Ideal for both DOT-regulated and non-DOT workplace testing

Why Buy From AlcoPro

For more than 40 years, AlcoPro has supplied professional alcohol testing equipment to employers, occupational health providers, law enforcement agencies, nuclear facilities, and alcohol testing professionals throughout the United States. Our team provides expert guidance to help customers select DOT- and NRC-compliant testing equipment, maintain quality assurance programs, and keep their workplace alcohol testing programs running efficiently.

Specs

Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Specifications

Specifications
Sensor type	Electrochemical Oxidation (fuel cell)
Range of measurement	.000 – .400 BrAC
Accuracy and precision	U.S. DOT approved for evidential use
Breath sampling	Automatic with manual override
Response time	5 – 10 seconds negative results; 10 – 30 seconds positive results
Power requirement	Alco-Sensor V: 4 AA batteries (included), 1500+ tests Printer: rechargeable batteries, 75+ tests
Test mode	Direct
Calibration	Microprocessor controlled, using dry gas or wet bath simulator
Memory	1,000 + tests, browse memory, reprint any test
Print capability	Martel thermal printer
Temperature range	0 to 50 degrees C
Size	14″ X 14″ X 5, 12 lbs (in nylon carrying case)
Warranty	Two year parts and labor

Standard Equipment

RBT VXL Standard Product

Two year factory warranty
Alco-Sensor VXL
Martel Thermal Printer
Keyboard
Docking station and cables
100, mouthpieces
Nylon Carrying Case
Printer paper
Batteries
Battery charger for printer
Operator manual

FAQ

1. What is the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite?

The Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite is a U.S. DOT-approved Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device designed for regulated and non-regulated workplace alcohol testing. It includes the DOT and NRC Quick Test protocol, thermal printer, keyboard, and docking station for compliant alcohol testing.

2. Is the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL approved for DOT testing?

Yes. The Alco-Sensor RBT VXL is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation for evidential breath alcohol testing and is widely used in DOT-regulated workplace testing programs.

3. Who should use the RBT VXL Data Lite?

The system is designed for Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs), occupational health clinics, third-party administrators, transportation companies, and employers conducting DOT or non-DOT workplace alcohol testing.

4. What is the difference between the Data Lite and Full Data RBT VXL?

The Data Lite version uses the streamlined Quick Test workflow and captures the reason for testing, making it ideal for organizations prioritizing speed and simplicity. The Full Data model captures additional subject, company, and BAT information for more detailed documentation, which appears on the printed test result.

5. Does the RBT VXL automatically perform the 15-minute waiting period?

Yes. When a screening test result reaches 0.020 BrAC or higher, the instrument automatically initiates the DOT-required 15-minute waiting period before confirmation testing.

6. What type of sensor does the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL use?

The instrument uses an electrochemical fuel cell sensor that delivers highly accurate alcohol-specific measurements suitable for evidential workplace testing.

7. How often should an accuracy be performed on the RBT VXL?

An accuracy check must be conducted on the breathalyzer device every 31 days. Intoximeters, the manufacturer, highly recommends more frequent checks — following a positive confirmation test and/or at the start of each day. Calibration adjustments are performed only following a failed accuracy check.

8. Can the RBT VXL print test results?

Yes. The included Martel thermal printer produces permanent, smudge-free test records. The instrument can perform testing independently and then dock to securely print the results.

9. Is the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL approved for use in the nuclear industry?

Yes. The Alco-Sensor RBT VXL is also approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for alcohol testing programs within the nuclear industry, and follows the alcohol testing protocols found in 10 CFR Part 26. This makes it an excellent choice for organizations that require highly accurate, defensible alcohol testing in safety-sensitive environments.

10. Why do employers choose the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL for workplace alcohol testing?

The Alco-Sensor RBT VXL is chosen by employers because it is approved by both the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), delivers evidential-grade accuracy with a fuel cell sensor, automates the testing workflow, and produces permanent printed test records. It is widely used in transportation, energy, manufacturing, occupational health, and other safety-sensitive industries where safety, compliance and defensible results are essential.

Features

Approved by the U.S. DOT and NRC as an evidential breath alcohol testing device
Device menus allow you to select the type of test (DOT, non-DOT, NRC)
Programmed with DOT and NRC testing protocols
Evidential accuracy exceeds +/- .005 at .100 BrAC
Easy to read prompts guide the operator through the testing sequence, greatly reducing operator errors
Automatic and manual breath sampling capability
Automatically initiates a 15 minute wait period following a positive screening test of .020
Automatically initiates a confirmation test following the 15 minute wait period
Store and print hundreds of tests in the device’s memory
The Martel thermal printer prints results without the mess of ink printers
Operates independently of the Martel thermal printer, allowing the operator to test the subject without being tethered to the printer
Operator places the Alco-Sensor VXL into the docking station to quickly print test results. This fail-safe printing method removes any question about the integrity of the printed test result, and removes the issues that sometimes arise with wireless communication technology

Calibration

RBT VXL Calibration Information

Accuracy Checks and Calibration Adjustments

There are two procedures used to maintain the accuracy of alcohol testing instruments. The operator performs the Accuracy Check procedure to determine if the instrument is reading correctly. If the Accuracy Check procedure determines that the instrument is not reading correctly, the operator performs a Calibration Adjustment procedure. The operator must have acceptable Accuracy Check and Calibration Equipment to perform the Accuracy Check and Calibration Adjustment procedure.

Frequency of Accuracy Checks

In general, Intoximeters recommends performing Accuracy Checks at least once a month. Programs may develop their own policies to perform Accuracy Checks at more frequent intervals.

Frequency of Calibration Adjustments

In general, Intoximeters does not require the operator to perform periodic Calibration Adjustments. Calibration Adjustments are performed only when an Accuracy Check procedure determines that the instrument is not reading correctly. Agencies may develop their own policies that require periodic Calibration Adjustments.

Product Library

Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Datasheet

Reviews

Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite — DOT Evidential Breath Tester

Economical Breathalyzer — Quick Testing Protocol.

DOT-Approved and NRC-Approved Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing

Trusted by DOT Regulated Employers and the Nuclear Industry

Why Choose the Alco-Sensor RBT VXL Data Lite?