How to use Redlines
We understand that ON FIRST-TIME USE you may think that the Redline device is a little fiddly to use. They’re NOT! If you read the instructions carefully and follow them correctly, you’ll see that Redlines are actually very simple!
Instructions For Use
- Before consuming alcohol, read and ensure you understand the ‘Instructions’ and ‘Interpretation of Results’, and the products’ ‘Disclaimer’. They’re on the leaflet inside the product’s packaging, and on the unit’s breath bag.
- Do NOT carry out a Redline test within 20 minutes of your last drink of alcohol (or use of a mouthwash, gargle or other product containing alcohol)
- Use a tester within 5 minutes of opening.
- Ensure that you evaluate the results UNDER GOOD LIGHTING CONDITIONS.
STEP ONE
- Snap off the ends of the red and white caps at the end of the tester tube, and then shake out and discard the small amount of white crystals that are loosely contained within the tube.
(These white crystals are harmless silica gel, used to keep the yellow active chemical crystals dry).
STEP TWO
- Using ONE continuous breath, fully inflate the bag.
(More than one breath will deliver an inaccurate result).
STEP THREE
- Insert the WHITE cap end of the tester into the WHITE neck of the fully inflated bag.
(Alternatively, note that there’s a red arrow on the tube. This shows the direction of the airflow out of the bag through the tube, and so it should be pointing AWAY from the bag).
STEP FOUR
- Using both hands, squeeze the bag slowly and evenly, so that ALL the breath contained in the bag is expelled through the tester tube. This should take approximately 30 seconds.
(Note that it is entirely normal for the tester tube to warm up during this operation. This is simply an effect of the chemical reaction taking place between the expelled breath reacting with the yellow chemicals).
If you have a 2-unit box pack, fold the re-usable bag and return it to the pack for use with the second tester.
STEP FIVE
- Evaluate the results under good lighting conditions and within 2 minutes of taking the test.
An ‘UNDER THE LIMIT’ result.
If you are under the limit, there is no ‘greening’ of the crystals, or the progression of the green colour change has not reached the red line.
- This test result indicates that you are currently under the legal limit, but remember that the result is not definitive and cannot be used for legal evidence.
- You should use your discretion in deciding whether to drive, as it is possible to deliver an ‘over the limit’ result some time after producing an ‘under the limit’ result. (This is because alcohol takes time to become fully ingested prior to its dissipation).
- Should you have the 2-unit box-pack, use of the second tester a short while after the first in the same manner as described above is therefore strongly encouraged.
- If you only have the single unit and you have delivered an ‘under the limit’ result, either obtain a second test and use it in the manner described above, or assess what you have consumed over what period of time and use your discretion in deciding whether or not your BAC is likely to rise. With any doubt whatsoever, YOU MUST NOT DRIVE A VEHICLE.
An ‘OVER THE LIMIT’ result.
If you are over the limit, a distinct green colour change will have occurred in the yellow crystals and progressed all the way up to the red line or beyond.
- You SHOULD NOT drive a motor vehicle
- Unless you can make alternative travel arrangements, it is strongly recommended that you WAIT a reasonable period to allow the alcohol you have consumed to dissipate sufficiently to produce an ‘under the limit’ result, and then use the second tester with the re-usable breath bag in exactly the same process as above to see if this has been achieved.
- If you do not have a second tester, note that it can often take a considerable period for ingested alcohol to dissipate to levels below the legal drink-driving limit – particularly if the consumption was excessive. Such periods can vary widely from person to person. With any doubt whatsoever, YOU MUST NOT DRIVE A VEHICLE.
Dispose of testers, discarded crystals, end caps and breath bags in a responsible manner immediately after use.