What does it indicate if "Interferent Detected" appears on the Intoxilyzer 9000?

When "Interferent Detected" appears on the Intoxilyzer 9000, it indicates that there is a significant quantity of a volatile organic chemical present in the sample being analyzed. This message alerts the operator that substances other than ethanol may be affecting the accuracy of the test results. Volatile organic chemicals can include a myriad of substances such as certain fumes or chemicals that might mimic or interfere with the detection of alcohol.

Understanding this is crucial for the interpretation of the results. If an interferent is detected, the reliability of the breath alcohol concentration reading may be compromised, potentially leading to false readings. Thus, this warning emphasizes the importance of considering environmental factors or the presence of certain chemicals that could influence the Intoxilyzer’s performance.

The other answer choices suggest interpretations that do not align with the specific message of "Interferent Detected." For example, indicating a significant quantity of alcohol being detected would be a different prompt, and suggesting that the device needs calibration is a separate maintenance concern unrelated to the specific test results. Similarly, the presence of an interferent does not automatically mean that the subject is under the legal limit; rather, it raises questions about the test's validity.