Volume Prevention
Chemical breathalyzer
Ideal for mass distribution during a prevention campaign, event, road safety action or public awareness.
Which Breathalyzer to Choose? Professional Guide
Buying guide • Professional breathalyzers • Alcohol prevention
How to choose the right breathalyzer?
At AMA Prévention, we support professionals, institutions, local authorities and the general public in choosing solutions adapted to alcohol risk prevention.
This buying guide helps you compare chemical, electronic breathalyzers and screening kiosks to identify the most suitable solution according to your use: self-testing, works council, company, transport, security, events or institutional use.
Chemical, electronic or kiosk: which solution to choose?
Not all breathalyzers have the same use. The right choice depends on the context: occasional distribution, regular control, intensive professional use or autonomous device for a public venue.
Regular use Company
Electronic breathalyzer
Recommended for regular use: Works councils, SMEs, transport, logistics, security, local authorities, QHSE managers or mobile professionals.
Autonomous Events
Breathalyzer kiosk
Solution suitable for sites, parties, festivals, festive venues, public establishments or areas requiring autonomous alcohol screening access.
2026 buying guide video: understanding price differences
This video explains why breathalyzer prices vary so much: sensor technology, certification, accuracy, screening rate and field use.
The 3 criteria that justify your investment
While all models follow a prevention logic, price differences are mainly explained by the embedded technology, regulatory framework, and resistance to intensive use.
Criterion 01
Sensor architecture
Models with electrochemical cells are suitable for regular use and self-testing. Fuel cell models offer a higher level of accuracy and stability for professional or institutional environments.
Criterion 02
Certification standards
The NF EN 16280 standard applies to breathalyzers intended for the general public and self-testing. The EN 15964 standard corresponds to higher requirements for professional and institutional use.
Criterion 03
Pace and environment
Occasional use does not require the same durability as intensive use. Professional models stand out by their reset time, robustness, fast modes, and adaptation to field conditions.
Our selection: from self-testing to institutional expertise
This selection helps you quickly identify the model best suited to your usage profile: personal prevention, business, healthcare, security, law enforcement, or intensive devices.
NF EN 16280 11 mm sensor Self-testing / Works councils
The Ethyway V2: accessible and certified prevention
The Ethyway V2 is suitable for individuals, works councils, and accessible prevention initiatives. It uses an 11 mm electrochemical sensor and allows simple reading for self-testing.
- Built-in memory to review the last 10 tests.
- Sound alert warning at 0.25 mg/L.
- Display up to 0.49 mg/L depending on the chosen version.
- Supplied with 5 hygienic one-way valve mouthpieces.
Entry-level Pro / General Public See models
Electrochemical cell Regular use Small businesses / SMEs / Truck drivers
The Ethylec+: the versatile compromise for SMEs
The Ethylec+ is designed for regular use. It combines an electrochemical cell with a breath pressure detector and is suitable for traveling professionals or small organizations.
- Optimized breath time of 7 to 8 seconds.
- DC 12V cigarette lighter plug included for vehicle fleets.
- Two display options: from 0 to 1 mg/L or from 0 to 20‰.
- Delivered in a professional case with 10 mouthpieces.
Professional mid-range Compare models
EN 15964 Fuel cell B2B / Healthcare
The Alert J4X: the institutional reference standard
The Alert J4X is designed for demanding professional uses: companies, healthcare facilities, sensitive sites, or environments requiring high accuracy and faster testing rates.
- High accuracy around 5% at 0.5 mg/L.
- Quick reset in less than 90 seconds.
- Breath sample in 5 seconds.
- Wide measurement range.
Professional high-end Request a quote
NF EN 15964 Passive mode Law enforcement / B2G
The Alco-Sensor FST: all-terrain tactical expertise
The Alco-Sensor FST is designed for intensive use and field control contexts. It allows rapid successive screenings, with advanced modes for demanding environments.
- Advanced modes: passive and road checkpoint.
- IP54 protection rating against weather.
- Wide operating range from -5 °C to +50 °C.
- Mouthpiece installation without direct contact with fingers.
Top-of-the-line field model Get advice
Comparative table of electronic breathalyzers
This table allows quick comparison of usage profiles, technologies, standards, measurement ranges, and usage modes.
| Technical criteria | Ethyway V2 | Ethylec+ | Alert J4X | Alco-Sensor FST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target profile | Individuals, CSE, self-test | Commercial, SMEs | Industries, hospitals | Police, gendarmerie, military |
| Sensor technology | 11 mm electrochemical | Standard electrochemical | Pro fuel cell | Premium fuel cell |
| Approval standards | NF EN 16280 | CE compliance | EN 15964 | NF EN 15964 + IP54 |
| Measurement range | 0.00 to 0.49 mg/L | 0.00 to 1.00 mg/L | 0 to 500 mg% | 0.00 to 2.00 mg/L |
| Usage modes | Standard with mouthpiece | Standard with mouthpiece | Intensive use with mouthpiece | Standard, passive, and checkpoint |
| Calibration recommended | Every 12 months | 12 to 14 months | Annual | Annual |
AMA Prévention’s commitment
Breathalyzers are evaluation and prevention tools. They can support a workplace health and safety policy, a DUERP approach, a road safety action, or a prevention system in companies, communities, or events.
Choose a breathalyzer suited to your use
The choice depends on the number of tests, the expected level of accuracy, the context of use, and the need for support. AMA Prévention can guide you to the most suitable solution.