I`m not sure how many of you are aware, but April was the mark of  the national campaign of Alcohol Awareness Month, encouraging businesses and organizations alike to increase public awareness and understanding about alcohol misuse and abuse. One company on a mission to do just that, not just in April but year-round, is AK GlobalTech. The company`s goal is to contribute to a national network of safety procedures and protocols for the prevention of alcohol-related incidents and deaths with its line of efficient and accurate breathalyzers for consumers and businesses. Their devices are even used by the US Navy and Marines. AKGlobalTech is taking their mission a step further with its patented technology of precalibrated sensor modules that provide the most accurate readings along with affordable and easy use. They are even working on donating hundreds of free breathalyzers to music fests across the U.S to enhance concert goer safety. In honor of raising awareness to alcohol and knowing your limits, I was sent the AlcoMate Revo to check out. Now, in all fairness, this is the first breathalyzer I have ever used or own so I cannot compare it to others. However, this is more geared to bringing awareness to knowing your limitations, particularly with driving when it comes to alcohol, rather than comparing the different breathalyzers available. Ths thing is, often times when you drink, there`s a fine line of being buzzed and drunk and not realizing when you really should not get behind the wheel. That is where this little device comes in handy. It`s compact enough to fit in your back pocket, keep in your purse, leave in your glove box, etc. You get where I`m going with this. Here`s some info on this particular breathalyzer from the AK Global Tech: The AlcoMate Revo combines the revolutionary innovation of PRISM technology with state-of-the-art fuel-cell precision to offer the most reliable, convenient and accurate commercial breathalyzer available on the market.

PRISM technology solves the problem of the mail-back re-calibration required of all typical breathalyzers using Pre-calibrated Replaceable Intelligent Sensor Modules (PRISM) that can be swapped out directly by the end user instantly, eliminating up to weeks of downtime caused by typical re-calibration. PRISM technology is an exclusively patented feature only available with AlcoMate breath alcohol testers (US Patent No. 7,841,224 B2, also worldwide). The AlcoMate Revo is the first and only breath alcohol tester that combines PRISM technology with advanced fuel-cell precision for the perfect combination of reliable accuracy and convenience with no downtime. Revo Features

• Pre-calibrated Replaceable Intelligent Sensor Module (PRISM) Technology
• DOT Approved for Law Enforcement: Accuracy +/-0.005 at 0.10 g/dL
• Fuel-Cell Sensor for Maximum Precision
• US Coast Guard Approved
• 4-Digit LCD Results Display
• Active Pressure Sensor / Deep Lung Air Sampling
• Cumulative Test Counter
• Low Battery Indicator / Auto Power-Off

As someone who has never used one of these before, I found using this device to be rather easy. It comes with clear, easy to understand, instructions, however, I found that for the most part, it was self-explanatory. First, take the back cover off to insert the batteries. Once your batteries are in place hold the power button (on the front of the device) and it will power on. The LCD screen I found used pretty large print which makes it easy to read. This is great - especially if you`ve been drinking since there`s no squinting needed to read the monitor. At that point, it will instruct you to "blow" when it`s ready for you to blow into the device. While testing this part is where I noticed I`d get the message "flow" a lot, which means you basically aren`t blowing into it properly. I thought it would be simple, but apparently, it is a bit tricky. You have to blow with a good force in a smooth sort of manner, not huffing and puffing or lightly. Each time I tried, I found I had to repeat this several times before I would get a reading. However, when my husband gave it a try he had no issues. So while I thought it was the device, I`m now thinking maybe it`s just me. Either way, depending on you and your "blowing" will determine how easily this will work for you. My only concern is how easily can it be blown into while drunk? While it is easy, per say, in a normal situation, when you`re intoxicated you may not be able to concentrate enough to blow into it the proper way. I mean, that should give you the clue right there that if you can`t blow into the breathalyzer then don`t get behind the wheel, but generally intoxicated people don`t drink logically, to begin with. Either way, those are just some thoughts that crossed my mind with this. As far as results go, I found this to be accurate. When drinking, you should wait 20-30 minutes before testing it for your alcohol level in order to get an accurate reading, according to the user manual. I was not drinking when I first tested it and it came back as such saying my alcohol level was at 0.00 - which would be correct at that time. The device itself is lightweight, too, which makes it even more convenient to carry. No worries of real extra weight or bulk. Overall, I think this is a wonderful device to have on hand. For anybody not used to a breathalyzer, I would recommend practicing with it so you are familiar with it for when you are actually in need of using it. While I think keeping a breathalyzer on hand is great if you plan on going out and drinking, I also think you should save the number to a taxi service or Uber to your phone and completely not drive at all if you choose to drink. Even if you think you`re okay, it is proven that once you start drinking alcohol your reaction times are delayed. So while having such devices, as the AlcoMate Revo, is amazing technology to have on hand, your absolute best option would be to not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. Stay safe. Be prepared. And never drink and drive.