Assessing risk factors for impending or existent chronic diseases using human breath: a novel, non-invasive analytical technique

Overview

Human breath analysis provides a snapshot view of the blood/air equilibrium in the lungs. Components of human breath have been identified as useful diagnostics for a range of chronic human health issues, including diabetes, renal disease and cirrhosis. Furthermore hydrogen and methane generated through colonic fermentation may be indicative of bowel cancer or irritable bowel syndrome.

Despite its broad utility human breath is a poorly utilized analytical tool for assessing human health. We have developed an analytical system that allows us to characterize >50 compounds at concentrations as low as 10 pptv through concentrating 1-3 L human breath samples. This system will be tested for its utility through assaying metabolites from recovering smokers and drinkers in collaboration with members of the Health Sciences Department.