The technology

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have developed a novel device that rapidly detects alcohol concentration in mixed drinks. This small device, about the size of an e-cigarette, is portable and can be easily stored in pant pockets or a purse. To determine alcohol concentration, the pen-like device can be placed in the liquid for a small sample intake (0.5mL sample size) where sensors can analyze concentration and display warnings based on the concentration of alcohol. Testing has been conducted to show a differentiation in concentrations found by a change in pressure. Based on testing with ranging alcohol concentration solutions, VCU inventors found a clear differentiation in pressure at each concentration (Figure 1).

Figure 1. A differentiation is shown in the concentrations found by a change in pressure.