How Does AlkoSafe Work?
The Science and Steps Behind the Saliva Alcohol Test
AlkoSafe is a saliva alcohol test strip that detects the presence of alcohol in your system in 2 minutes without any device, batteries, or technical knowledge.
The Science
Enzymatic Detection
AlkoSafe uses enzymatic detection technology — specifically an Alcohol Oxidase cascade reaction — to identify the presence of ethanol in saliva. This is the same core chemistry used in professional alcohol screening instruments, miniaturised into a single-use strip format.
When saliva containing alcohol contacts the reactive pad, the enzyme Alcohol Oxidase converts ethanol into acetaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide then reacts with a chromogenic indicator, producing a visible blue-purple colour change proportional to the alcohol concentration.
1
Saliva Absorption
The absorbent pad soaks up saliva and carries it through the reaction membrane.
2
Enzyme Reaction
Alcohol Oxidase reacts with ethanol present in the saliva sample.
3
Hydrogen Peroxide
H₂O₂ produced proportionally to the ethanol concentration in saliva.
4
Colour Change
Indicator produces a visible blue-purple colour when alcohol is detected above threshold.
The test membrane uses nitrocellulose sourced from Merck and Sartorius, suppliers trusted in European hospital laboratories. Enzyme loading, membrane porosity, and buffer chemistry are tuned to detect alcohol at exactly 0.2 promil — Turkey’s legal driving limit.
Why Saliva?
Saliva & Blood Alcohol Correlation
Saliva alcohol content correlates closely with blood alcohol content. Ethanol is a small, water-soluble molecule that moves freely between the bloodstream and saliva via passive diffusion. The concentration of alcohol in saliva is approximately 1.08 times higher than in blood, making saliva a sensitive and reliable sample type for alcohol screening.
1.08x
Saliva alcohol concentration vs blood — making saliva a strong sample type for rapid threshold screening.
How to Use
Step-by-Step Instructions
Following the procedure exactly ensures the most accurate result. The most common source of unreliable results is not waiting 15 minutes before testing.
1
Prepare
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for at least 15 minutes. Open the foil pouch only immediately before use. Check the expiry date.
- 15 min wait
2
Open & Hold
Remove the strip. Hold it by the coloured end. Place the absorbent tip under your tongue and hold for exactly 2 minutes.
- 2 min hold
3
Read Result
Remove and read within 5 minutes. No colour change = clear. Any blue or purple = alcohol detected. Do not drive.
- Within 5 min
4
Dispose
Dispose of the used strip in household waste. It is not hazardous. Each strip is single-use only.
- Single use
Results
Reading Your Result
No Colour Change
- Negative
Alcohol not detected above 0.2 promil.
Faint Blue / Purple
- Borderline
Wait 30 minutes and retest with a new strip.
Clear Blue / Purple
- Positive
Alcohol detected — do not drive.
When in doubt about any colour change: treat as positive.
Important
Limitations
Not for Legal Proceedings
A negative AlkoSafe result cannot be used to challenge a positive police breathalyser or blood test in court.
Always Wait 15 Minutes
Testing within 15 minutes of eating, drinking, smoking, or using oral hygiene products can produce unreliable results.
Not a BAC Meter
AlkoSafe tells you whether alcohol is present above or below 0.2 promil. It does not give an exact BAC reading.
Interference Substances
Mouthwash containing alcohol, sugar-free chewing gum, fermented foods. Wait 15 minutes after any of these.
Adult Use Only (18+)
Designed for adults aged 18 and over. Not validated for use on minors.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reuse an AlkoSafe strip?
How long after drinking can AlkoSafe detect alcohol?
AlkoSafe detects alcohol for as long as it remains above 0.2 promil in your system. The body eliminates alcohol at approximately 0.1 promil per hour.
Does AlkoSafe work with a dry mouth?
Severe dry mouth can reduce reliability. Drink a small amount of water, wait 15 minutes, then test again.
What does a very faint colour change mean?
Treat any faint colour change as a positive result. Any colour change means alcohol has been detected — do not drive.
Is AlkoSafe approved for workplace testing?
Can I test someone else with AlkoSafe?
Yes, but use a fresh strip from a new sealed pouch for each person.
Don't Guess. Test.
AlkoSafe gives you a clear answer in 2 minutes. Protect yourself, your licence, and the people around you.
99.7%
Sensitivity
2 min
Result Time
0.2 Promil
Detection Threshold
24 mo
Shelf Life
Important: AlkoSafe is a personal screening tool for individual decision-making. It is not a substitute for official law enforcement breathalyser or blood tests. A negative AlkoSafe result cannot be used to challenge a positive police test in court. If AlkoSafe shows any colour change, do not drive. Always wait at least 15 minutes after eating, drinking, or smoking before testing.
