As a sommelier and brewer, I have extensive knowledge about various ingredients and substances that can be found in everyday products. One such ingredient is cetyl alcohol, which is commonly used in detergents, body washes, and hand and body lotions. Interestingly, the SCRAM device, which is designed to monitor alcohol consumption, can detect cetyl alcohol and potentially cause a false positive reading.
Cetyl alcohol, also known as palmityl alcohol, is a fatty alcohol derived from vegetable or synthetic sources. It is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products as an emollient, thickening agent, and to improve the texture and feel of the product on the skin. However, despite its name, cetyl alcohol is not an intoxicating alcohol like ethanol, which is found in alcoholic beverages.
The SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) bracelet is a device commonly used in legal and correctional settings to monitor individuals for alcohol consumption. It works by measuring the ethanol vapor emitted through the skin as a result of alcohol metabolism. The device is highly sensitive and can detect even small amounts of ethanol.
Unfortunately, due to the similarity in chemical structure between cetyl alcohol and ethanol, the SCRAM device may sometimes mistakenly identify cetyl alcohol as ethanol. This can lead to a false positive reading, indicating alcohol consumption when none has occurred.
It is important to note that cetyl alcohol is not the only ingredient that can trigger a false positive on a SCRAM bracelet. Other substances such as isopropyl alcohol (commonly found in hand sanitizers), ethylene glycol (found in antifreeze), and acetaldehyde (a metabolic byproduct of alcohol metabolism) can also potentially cause a false positive reading.
In my experience, I have encountered situations where individuals wearing SCRAM bracelets have been falsely accused of alcohol consumption due to the presence of cetyl alcohol in their personal care products. This can be quite distressing for the individual, as they may face consequences such as probation violation or loss of custody rights.
To mitigate the risk of false positives, it is crucial for individuals wearing SCRAM bracelets to be aware of the potential substances that can trigger the device and inform their probation officer or relevant authorities about the products they use. Additionally, manufacturers of SCRAM devices are continually working to improve the accuracy and reliability of their technology to minimize false readings.
Cetyl alcohol, commonly found in detergents, body washes, and lotions, can be detected by the SCRAM device and potentially cause a false positive reading for alcohol consumption. It is essential for individuals wearing SCRAM bracelets to be aware of this possibility and communicate the use of such products to their probation officers or relevant authorities. Manufacturers of the SCRAM device are also continuously working towards enhancing the accuracy of their technology to minimize false readings.