Category: Breathalyzer

Approximately 90% of alcohol is metabolized by the liver, but the remaining 10% is released through sweat, urine, and breath. This is why the smell lingers, raising the question: **How long will a shot stay on your breath?** The answer is more complex than you might think and depends on several factors.

Law enforcement agencies require a mandatory observation period of 15 to 20 minutes before administering a breathalyzer test to ensure accuracy. The primary reason is to prevent a phenomenon known as 'mouth alcohol' from contaminating the sample and leading to a falsely elevated reading. Understanding **why is there a 20-minute wait for a breathalyzer** involves examining the physiological factors and legal protocols at play.

A single standard drink takes roughly one hour to be metabolized, yet the question of how many hours does alcohol stay in your breath is more complex. Factors like metabolism, body weight, and the amount consumed all play a crucial role in determining how long alcohol is detectable in your system.