Fuel cells are used to measure alcohol in breath and across the skin.  The fuel cell converts alcohol to an electrical current which is measured to determine alcohol concentration.  While conceptually simple, fuel cells are structurally and physically complex.

The goal of this presentation is to understand the limitations of fuel cells as used to measure breath and skin alcohol concentration.  The presentation will be divided into three areas. First, the structure of the fuel cell and the physics of fuel cell function will be covered.  These basic principles provide tools to evaluate fuel cell health.  Second, a variety of factors affect the performance of the fuel cells.   Improper control of these factors (e.g., water content, working temperature, contaminate alcohols, etc.) can lead to falsely elevated alcohol readings.  Third, four technologies using fuel cells (ignition interlock, home monitoring, evidential devices, and skin alcohol devices) will be reviewed and the limitations of fuel cell measurements within the context of these technologies will be discussed.

Dr. Anderson of Anderson Bioscience, a biotechnology consulting company, and an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington will be presenting this webinar.

This in-person CLE will take place at King County Department of Public Defense: 710 2^nd Avenue, Suite 200. 1.5 Nexus CLE credits have been requested from the WSBA for this program.

To register, email wda@defensenet.org with “Fuel Cells” in the subject line.