DOT Approved Alcohol Testing Devices: What’s the Difference Between ASDs and EBTs?

Choosing a DOT approved alcohol testing device starts with understanding its role in the testing process. An Alcohol Screening Device (ASD) is used for the initial screen. An Evidential Breath Testing device (EBT) can be used for screening and, when it meets the required capabilities, confirmation testing.

That distinction matters when comparing equipment for a workplace testing programme. A device suitable for screening does not automatically qualify for confirmation testing, and a digital alcohol reading alone does not establish DOT compliance.

This guide explains the differences, what to check before purchasing, and how to plan the equipment, supplies and training your programme needs.

ASD vs. EBT: a quick comparison

Question	Alcohol Screening Device (ASD)	Evidential Breath Testing device (EBT)
What is its role?	Initial alcohol screening	Screening and, with the required capabilities, confirmation
What sample does it use?	Depends on the approved device; options include breath and saliva	Breath
Can it perform a DOT confirmation test?	No	Yes, if the listed device and its configuration meet confirmation requirements
Does approval apply to every product from that brand?	No. Check the exact model and applicable conditions.	No. Check the exact model and required capabilities.
Where can I compare options?	DOT Approved Screening Devices	DOT Evidential Breath Testing Devices

DOT permits only the devices identified on its applicable lists for testing under Part 40. ASDs are restricted to screening; approved EBTs may also perform screening. See DOT’s screening-device guidance and evidential-device guidance.

What is an Alcohol Screening Device?

An ASD provides the initial alcohol screen. Depending on the approved model, it may be a reusable breath-testing instrument or a disposable saliva-testing device.

For example, DOT’s screening list includes Alco-Screen 02, AlcoMate Premium AL7000 and AlcoMate Prestige AL6000. These represent different approaches to screening, so compare sample collection, operating instructions, storage requirements and ongoing supplies, not just purchase price.

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Check the exact model against the DOT approved screening-device list, including its footnotes. Approval is model-specific and may include conditions affecting use.

What makes an EBT suitable for confirmation testing?

DOT confirmation testing requires more than a breathalyzer that displays a number. The equipment must provide the measurement and documentation functions specified by DOT.

Required capabilities include:

Producing three identical printed copies of the result.
Assigning a unique test number that appears on the printouts.
Printing the manufacturer’s name, device serial number and test time.
Distinguishing alcohol from acetone at the specified concentration.
Running an air blank.
Performing an external calibration check.

The DOT EBT list includes models such as Alcovisor Jupiter and Mercury, along with several Lifeloc instruments. Being listed does not eliminate the need to check the capabilities of the exact equipment package you intend to use. A device without the required printing functionality, for example, does not satisfy the confirmation requirements simply because its model appears on the list.

Use our DOT Evidential Breath Testing collection to compare options, then verify the proposed device, printer and accessories against your procedure.

What happens after the initial alcohol screen?

Under DOT procedures, a screening result below 0.02 is documented and reported through the prescribed process. A screening result of 0.02 or higher requires a confirmation test.

The screening result therefore determines the next testing step; it should not be treated as a substitute for the required confirmation result. Repeating a screen on another ASD does not fulfil that confirmation requirement.

If confirmation occurs at another location, the programme also needs a transport and observation process. DOT directs that the employee must not drive to the confirmation site. These requirements are set out in 49 CFR §40.247.

For an employer choosing screening equipment, this creates a practical purchasing question: Who will perform confirmation testing, and how quickly can the employee reach them? Establish that arrangement before putting screening devices into service.

Why is there a waiting period before confirmation?

DOT requires a waiting period of at least 15 minutes after completion of the screening test. Confirmation should begin as soon as possible afterwards, within 30 minutes of the screen.

The waiting period helps reduce the risk of residual mouth alcohol producing an artificially high reading. The employee must be observed and given instructions concerning eating, drinking, placing anything in the mouth and belching.

If more than 30 minutes have elapsed, the technician must still proceed with confirmation rather than start another screening test, and document the delay. The delay does not automatically invalidate the tests. See 49 CFR §40.251.

The confirmation procedure also matters

A suitable instrument is only one part of confirmation testing. The Breath Alcohol Technician must follow the required procedure.

For example, DOT requires an air blank before the confirmation test, a new sealed or individually wrapped mouthpiece opened in the employee’s view, and verification of the test number and result. Separate result printouts must be attached to the Alcohol Testing Form using the specified tamper-evident method. 49 CFR §40.253

When planning your setup, account for compatible breathalyzer mouthpieces, printer consumables and the documentation supplies your procedure requires.

Calibration, maintenance and storage

A device’s approval status does not remove its maintenance requirements.

For EBTs, the manufacturer’s quality assurance plan establishes calibration-check methods, tolerances and intervals, along with inspection and maintenance requirements. Users must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the required records. An EBT that fails an external calibration check must be removed from service until repaired and successfully checked. 49 CFR §40.233

Review our calibration supplies alongside the instructions for your specific model. A replacement sensor, calibration gas or accessory must be appropriate for that device and its required maintenance procedure.

Storage deserves equal attention. DOT specifically cautions that Alco-Screen 02 must not be stored above 27°C (80°F); excessive storage temperatures can lead to false-negative results. Check stock storage and transport conditions, including vehicles and mobile testing kits. DOT screening-device storage guidance

Do operators need training?

Yes. DOT requires qualification training and demonstrated proficiency for Screening Test Technicians and Breath Alcohol Technicians.

Training must cover the applicable procedures and the particular devices being used. Initial proficiency demonstrations involve seven consecutive error-free mock tests for BATs or five for STTs. Refresher training is required at least every five years. 49 CFR §40.213

Browse our training courses when planning your programme. Confirm that the selected course and practical proficiency assessment cover your role, device and testing requirements.

How to choose the right setup

Before ordering, work through these five questions:

Are you performing screening, confirmation or both?
Start with the testing task, then compare equipment that supports it.
Have you checked the exact model?
Match the manufacturer and model to the current DOT list, including any conditions or footnotes.
Does the package include the necessary equipment?
Confirm printing capability, compatible accessories and required supplies for confirmation testing.
Who will operate and maintain it?
Plan training, proficiency assessments, calibration checks, servicing and records.
What happens when screening requires confirmation?
Establish the personnel, location and timing arrangements before testing begins.

For a broader overview, visit our DOT Approved Breathalyzers guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can a saliva alcohol test be used for DOT confirmation?

No. An approved saliva ASD can be used for screening, but DOT confirmation requires a qualifying EBT. DOT screening-device guidance

Does “DOT approved” mean every model from that brand is approved?

No. Verify the exact model, relevant listing conditions and intended testing function. A brand name or product-category label is not a substitute for that check.

Is a screening result of 0.02 automatically the final result?

No. It triggers confirmation testing under Part 40. Follow the confirmation and reporting procedure rather than drawing a final conclusion from the screen alone. 49 CFR §40.247

Where should I start comparing products?

Browse DOT Approved Screening Devices for screening options and DOT Evidential Breath Testing Devices for equipment to assess against confirmation requirements.

If you need help comparing devices, accessories or training, contact Drug Test Kits with your intended testing procedure and preferred equipment.

This article describes U.S. DOT testing procedures under 49 CFR Part 40. Canadian employers should separately establish which requirements apply to their workplace; a DOT device listing alone does not establish a compliant Canadian testing programme.

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