Breath alcohol testing
Breath alcohol testing provides immediate evidence of recent alcohol consumption using Home Office approved breathalysers. Widely used alongside workplace drug testing, it delivers instant results for employers, occupational health providers, legal investigations and safety-critical industries throughout the UK.
Breath alcohol testing is the fastest method of determining whether alcohol is present at the time of testing. Unlike laboratory alcohol tests such as PEth blood testing or hair alcohol testing, which assess alcohol consumption over weeks or months, breath alcohol testing measures alcohol currently present in the breath, making it ideal where immediate decisions are required.
It is commonly carried out alongside workplace drug testing for pre-employment, random, For Cause and post-incident testing, helping organisations maintain safe working environments and comply with workplace drug and alcohol policies.
We use Home Office approved breathalysers operated by trained collectors across our nationwide network, providing reliable, professional testing supported by chain of custody procedures where required.
Speak to our team to arrange your breath alcohol test.
Who is breath alcohol testing for?
Breath alcohol testing is widely used by employers and organisations that need to determine whether an individual has recently consumed alcohol. It is most commonly carried out alongside workplace drug testing programmes, helping organisations maintain safe working environments and comply with their drug and alcohol policies.
It is commonly arranged for:
- Workplace random drug and alcohol testing
- For Cause and post-incident investigations
- Pre-employment and pre-placement screening
- Rail, transport and safety-critical industries
- Construction, manufacturing and engineering workplaces
- Contractors and visitors attending high-risk sites
Breath alcohol testing provides an immediate indication of recent alcohol consumption and is often combined with either point of care (POCT) or laboratory drug testing, allowing both alcohol and drugs to be screened during the same appointment.
How much does a breath alcohol test cost?
- From £48 per person (workplace testing)
- Single appointments from £162
- Mobile workplace collections available
- All prices include VAT
The cost of breath alcohol testing depends on the number of individuals being tested, the testing location and whether the appointment is carried out at one of our nationwide collection centres or at your workplace.
Most employers arrange breath alcohol testing alongside workplace drug testing as part of a combined drug and alcohol screening programme, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution.
Results are available immediately following the test.
How does breath alcohol testing work?
Breath alcohol testing is a quick and straightforward process using a Home Office approved evidential breathalyser. Results are available immediately after the test.
Step 1 – Book your appointment
Appointments are available at our nationwide sample collection locations or at your workplace using our mobile testing service.
Step 2 – Prepare for the test
Your identity is confirmed and the sample collector explains the procedure before the test begins.
Step 3 – Provide a breath sample
You simply blow into the breathalyser until a sufficient breath sample has been collected.
Step 4 – Receive your results
Results are available immediately and can be incorporated into workplace drug and alcohol testing documentation where required.
Our experienced collection team will guide you through every stage of the testing process.
What can a breath alcohol test show?
Breath alcohol testing measures the concentration of alcohol in a person's breath and reports the result as micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath (μg/100ml). Because alcohol passes from the bloodstream into the lungs, this provides an immediate indication of recent alcohol consumption and potential impairment.
Typical thresholds include:
- 0 μg/100ml – No alcohol detected.
- 35 μg/100ml – Legal drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- 22 μg/100ml – Legal drink-drive limit in Scotland.
- Company policy limits – Many employers, particularly within rail, transport, aviation and other safety-critical industries, set alcohol limits well below the UK drink-driving limit, with some organisations operating a zero-tolerance policy.
Unlike PEth alcohol testing or hair alcohol testing, which assess alcohol consumption over previous weeks or months, breath alcohol testing is designed to determine whether alcohol is present at the time of testing, making it the preferred choice for workplace and post-incident testing.
Nationwide breath alcohol testing appointments
We provide breath alcohol testing appointments throughout the UK using our nationwide network of professional sample collectors and workplace testing teams.
Testing can be arranged at convenient collection locations or at your workplace through our mobile drug and alcohol testing service. Breath alcohol testing is commonly booked alongside point of care (POCT) and laboratory drug testing, allowing employers to complete both alcohol and drug screening during the same appointment.
All testing is carried out using Home Office approved evidential breathalysers by experienced sample collectors, with immediate results available and full chain of custody procedures followed where required.
Whether you require testing for pre-employment screening, random testing, for cause investigations, post-incident testing or routine workplace compliance, our team will help you arrange the most appropriate service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a breath alcohol test measure?
A breath alcohol test measures the concentration of alcohol in a person's breath, reported as micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath (μg/100ml). Because alcohol passes from the bloodstream into the lungs, the result provides an immediate indication of recent alcohol consumption.
Is a breath alcohol test suitable for workplace testing?
Yes. Breath alcohol testing is the most common method of alcohol screening within workplace drug and alcohol testing programmes. It is widely used for pre-employment, random, for cause and post-incident testing.
Can a breath alcohol test be carried out alongside a drug test?
Yes. Breath alcohol testing is frequently carried out alongside both point of care (POCT) and laboratory drug testing, allowing alcohol and drugs to be screened during the same appointment.
Can you provide workplace breath alcohol testing anywhere in the UK?
Yes. We provide nationwide workplace breath alcohol testing through our network of collection locations and mobile sample collection teams across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Should I choose a breath alcohol test, PEth test or hair alcohol test?
It depends on what you need to establish. A breath alcohol test measures alcohol present at the time of testing, PEth alcohol testing detects recent regular alcohol consumption over approximately the previous 2–4 weeks, while hair alcohol testing provides evidence of alcohol consumption over several months. Our team can advise which option is most appropriate for your circumstances.
How quickly are breath alcohol test results available?
Results are available immediately after the test has been completed. Where required, evidential printouts can also be provided using Home Office approved breathalysers.
What is the legal drink-drive limit?
The legal limit is 35 μg/100ml in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 22 μg/100ml in Scotland. However, many employers operate lower limits or zero-tolerance policies for safety-critical roles.
Are Home Office approved breathalysers used?
Yes. We use Home Office approved evidential breathalysers, ensuring reliable and legally defensible results where required.
What happens if alcohol is detected?
If alcohol is detected, the result is reported in accordance with your organisation's drug and alcohol policy.
How do I book a breath alcohol test?
Simply contact our team to arrange an appointment at one of our nationwide collection locations or request our mobile workplace testing service. We'll help you choose the most appropriate testing option and arrange a convenient appointment.
Arrange your breath alcohol test today
Whether you need workplace alcohol testing, combined drug and alcohol testing, or a standalone breath alcohol test, our experienced team is here to help.
We provide nationwide appointments at convenient sample collection locations, together with mobile workplace testing for employers across the UK. Using Home Office approved evidential breathalysers, we deliver professional testing with immediate results and full chain of custody procedures where required.
If you're unsure whether a breath alcohol test, PEth blood test or hair alcohol test is the most appropriate option, our team will be happy to discuss your requirements and recommend the most suitable testing solution.
