Washington State Candida Albicans (white tongue/thrush) Defense

Candida albicans (“white tongue” or “thrush”) is a yeast infection of the mouth or throat. People with a compromised immune system (such as from illness or pregnancy) are more susceptible to the infection, as are people who are taking or recently took antibiotics. The infection may cause white patches or irritation. Candida albicans leaves behind a chemical, acetaldehyde, in the mouth.

A breath test would incorrectly report this chemical as alcohol. Some compounds that are similar to alcohol would alert a breath test machine to interference, but acetaldehyde is not one of them. Consequently, a yeast infection in the mouth or throat may result in a false positive or an artificially high result. The infection may be difficult to diagnose, so if your result comes as a surprise to you and you have any signs or risk factors of a yeast infection of the mouth or throat. You should get in touch with a lawyer who has experience defending DUI cases like the attorneys at Callahan Law as soon as possible after your breath test.