What must be done before using the Intoxilyzer 9000 on a suspect?

Before using the Intoxilyzer 9000 on a suspect, it is crucial to observe the individual for a period of 20 minutes. This observation period is essential to ensure that the suspect does not consume any substances, such as food, beverages, or even tobacco, which could potentially interfere with the accuracy of the breath test results. Any intake during this time could lead to residual alcohol in the mouth, known as mouth alcohol, which can cause a falsely elevated reading on the device.

This practice is a key part of maintaining the integrity of the testing process and ensuring that the results accurately reflect the individual's blood alcohol concentration at the time of the test. Ensuring that the suspect has not ingested anything during this observation period helps uphold the reliability and validity of the breath test results.