A recent FOX 12 test of a personal Breathalyzer raised questions among sheriff's deputies and test subjects over its accuracy.

The BACtrack is one of several Breathalyzers available on Web sites like Amazon.com for under $100. The device tests your blood alcohol content and can fit in the palm of your hand.

But deputies said testing blood alcohol content can be tricky, even with the proper tools.

"Even if it was a very accurate machine and you could test accurately, it's hard to tell whether your BAC is going to go up," said Deputy Scott Haley, with the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office and FOX 12 teamed up to test the accuracy of the home Breathalyser compared to those used by police agencies in Oregon.

The sheriff's office held a "wet lab," allowing deputies to receive realistic training with people who have been drinking in a controlled environment.

Tony Kreiger, one of the test subjects, said he and his friends have tried a personal Breathalyzer before. An official police Breathalyzer machine tested Kreiger at .06, but the BACtrack Breathalyzer tested Kreiger at .02.

The legal limit of alcohol allowed in a driver's body is .08.

Valerie Fancher, another test subject, was equally surprised by her first reading.

"It was .00," Fancher said. "I had apparently not drank anything all night long, and obviously that's not true."

It took Fancher six more tries before she blew a .05 on the BACtrack Breathalyzer. The official machine recorded .06 blood alcohol content.

BACtrack said the device helps estimate blood alcohol content and should not be used as a tool to determine whether to get behind the wheel.

The test subjects at the wet lab agreed.

"I do not think I am capable of driving a vehicle right now, therefore I don't quite trust this Amazon (Breathalyzer)," said Shelley Searle, whose BACtrack tests showed her BAC lowering each time.

BACtrack said the Breathalyzer promotes alcohol awareness. Keith Nothacker with KHN Solutions LLC, responded to the test results with the following statement:

"To ensure accurate results, we encourage all users to read the complete instruction manual and quick start guide prior to first use."

Haley recommended would-be drivers find another way home if they've had anything to drink.

"I'd hate to see somebody rely on that and think they're OK at a .07," Haley said. "And (then) drive home and end up hurting somebody or themselves. It's not worth it."

Accuracy Of Home Breathalyzers Questioned In Test