New Hampshire law enforcement officers who take blood samples to test a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) or look for other intoxicating drugs must follow a strict set of rules to ensure a proper sample is taken. A sample that is not taken properly may be contaminated or be too small to allow for a full range of tests. Unfortunately, many New Hampshire drivers have faced DWI charges on the basis of an improperly collected blood sample.
State law requires that a sample be approximately 20 milliliters to allow for multiple New Hampshire DUI blood tests. A sample this size also allows for a “blood split,†or an independent test for intoxicants. A blood split can be key to challenging your DWI charge, especially if it shows the results of the original test are wrong.
Samples must be taken in sterile conditions, and the items used to sterilize the skin, needle, and other equipment must not contain anything “that would interfere with an analysis for alcohol or drugs.” They must be stored in a proper container, which must contain a preservative to prevent a blood sample from being destroyed by bacteria or separation.
If you’re facing a DWI or DUI charge, please contact an experienced New Hampshire DWI lawyer. At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., we know what to look for when a blood test, breath test, or roadside sobriety test is performed. We know these tests are notoriously difficult and result in too many improper charges, and we will fight to ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case. Call Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today at (888) 332-5855 for a free and confidential case evaluation.