Minnesota DWI Test Results Confirmed After Data Entry Errors

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- Dozens of DWI test results in Minnesota that were questioned following the discovery of an error have been deemed accurate. 

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That’s according to a news release issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. 

Last month, state authorities ordered the immediate suspension of a tool used to test the blood alcohol concentration of suspected impaired drivers after learning of the error. 

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Minnesota BCA Announces DWI Test Results Impacted by Data Entry Errors Are Accurate

In announcing the test suspension, officials said   they had learned that trained operators made multiple data entry errors while setting up DataMaster (DMT), an instrument used to measure a person’s blood alcohol concentration through their breath. 

The errors resulted in the possibility for DWI test results in over 100 cases in Olmsted County and dozens of cases in Aitkin, Winona and Chippewa counties. 

Members of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension lab scientists recalculated the tests with the data entry error and found all of the results were “within established margins despite the data entry error,” the news release says. 

State officials also said that BCA lab scientists will testify the results of the breath test used in the identified cases are accurate. 

The BCA says more than half of the DMT instruments across the state “have been verified and secured.” Officials plan to complete the full verification process in the coming weeks.