Scant research exists on the performance of small, inexpensive breath alcohol analyzers marketed for personal use. In 2003, Van Tassel coined the phrase, "pocket model breath tester" (PMBT) to describe such a device and found most of the devices examined to be lacking in analytical performance \cite{edward2003}. More recent examinations of these types of devices have shown mixed results \cite{Ashdown_2014,Delgado_2017,Riordan_2017,erwin2015a}.
Potential Uses For These Devices
Personal Use
The ability for remote monitoring of BrAC results presents additional uses for these devices. Remote monitoring of alcohol has been shown to help reduce alcohol consumption \cite{Dougherty_2014}. Concerned parents or guardians could require minors to take random breath alcohol tests. Individuals wishing to reduce alcohol consumption could allow approved third parties such as family or friends to monitor the results of breath alcohol tests, providing an incentive to remain sober.
In recent years, the Quantified Self movement and the growing demand for self-tracking instruments have expanded to record nearly every aspect of daily life \cite{Swan_2009}. While conflicting evidence exists over the health effects of alcohol use \cite{Rehm2003a}, self-tracking may allow more autonomous control over health-related medical decisions \cite{Gimpe2013}.
Drinking Establishments
Establishments serving alcoholic beverages have an interest in ensuring that their customers do not pose a traffic safety hazard to others as they leave the establishment. Several investigations have looked at efforts made by drinking establishments to discourage drunk driving, including monitoring of alcohol levels. Unfortunately, studies found that efforts failed to curtail drunk driving or had a negative impact \cite{Lang1998,Nau1993a,Russ_1988}.