San Diego DUI Attorney

DUI Blood Test: Headspace Gas Chromatography

When a gas chromatograph test is administered, the "headspace" is considered the space between the top of the blood sample and the top of the container. During headspace gas chromatography, the lab technician, a trained professional, starts with the blood in a vial. The technician will then draw the vapor from that space and inject the sample into a gas chromatograph machine. When the gas chromatograph is finished, it will have a read of the blood alcohol concentration in the headspace.

During a trial, a prosecutor will provide the jury with this information from your blood test and convince them that by plugging this number into a certain mathematical equation, you come up with the blood alcohol concentration. However, having a seasoned San Diego DUI defense lawyer at your side could save the jury from believing this prosecutor. Your legal representation will be able to conduct a thorough investigation into your charges and determine the best method to move forward and build a defense. Demanding a sample of your blood be tested and retested using direct injection gas chromatography rather than headspace gas chromatography could give a more accurate and precise read.

What is a flame ionization detector?

During the gas chromatograph test, a special kind of gas detector is used to determine the presence of organic compounds in the gas. A flame ionization detector is not always entirely accurate however. In some cases, the alcohol causes few, if any ions for the detector to pick up. If you believe you have been wrongly arrested due to the improper maintenance of a gas chromatograph or a flame ionization detector, it is immediately important to talk with a San Diego DUI defense attorney at once.

Your ability to secure legal representation could make all the difference in your case. It could be the difference between keeping and losing your job, keep and losing your driving privileges and keeping and losing the trust of the ones around you. Call our office today to set up your initial confidential consultation.

After a headspace gas chromatograph has been administered to your blood test, ensure the results are correct by contacting a San Diego DUI lawyer at JD Law - Criminal Defense Specialists today.