What is an example of a Skyn data pattern?

*Please note that this is a general guideline/set of information to assist with data collection and is NOT intended to direct anyone's research or influence data interpretation.

In general, a TAC ug/L (air) data collection should look similar to a % BAC drinking curve, but Skyn will collect data points every 20 seconds. Because Transdermal Alcohol Content takes time to be expressed at the skin surface level, there will be a delay in the TAC signal as compared to % BAC

Please see a few sample graphs at this link: https://research.bactrack.com/validation-data/

When looking at a TAC ug/L data set, here are some tips for recognizing patterns of noise in the data

A ‘sawtooth’ pattern: If the general curve of a data collection session looks appropriate, but the curve has many small, rapid up and down inflections, Skyn is likely being worn too loose.

As mentioned above, the Skyn sensor will detect even small changes of placement on the wrist, and/or the distance between the sensor and the wearer’s wrist surface

If there are overall lower than expected values: This can be caused by Skyn being worn on the top of the wrist, or again, being too loose

If there are small positive fluctuations in TAC values when a wearer is sober: any change in the environment can have a small effect on TAC readings. If conducting lab data collection, it is possible to decrease noise in Skyn data by the following:
- After a subject consumes their desired amount of alcohol, have the subject move to a new room that has had no open alcohol bottles or other open substances
- After the alcohol dose is consumed, remove the alcohol from the test room
- Make sure subjects do not have their own hand sanitizer, and cleaning products are removed or tightly sealed in the test room