The device features an array of 32 sensors whose electrical resistance changes with the detection of different VOCs, informed the researchers.
In order to test the effectiveness of the device, the team conducted a clinical test on 39 people. The researchers could identify 37 out of 39 volunteers either as smokers or non-smokers based on the ‘smellprint’ detected through the device.
This technique picks up the carbon monoxide content of exhaled breath of a smoker to confirm and measure the smoking activity.
The team concluded that e-noses could facilitate quick and reliable revelation of smokers without the need for a blood or urine test.
However, the technique can pick up a smoker only for a few hours after they have had their last cigarette.
E-noses helpful for doctors
The researchers said that by making the test simple and reliable, the device can help a doctor detect whether a person is a smoker or a non-smoker within minutes.
E-noses could also prove useful for doctors in heart transplant clinics to detect the smoking habit of heart patients post transplant procedure. Experts say that if such patients continue smoking even after undergoing such a critical medical condition, it might harm their health.
Insurers might benefit from e-noses
It is found that people often tag themselves as non-smokers in a bid to get cheaper insurance. Therefore, some insurers are particularly interested in knowing whether a person applying for health or life insurance, smokes or not. And it is expected that this new technique would foil the attempt of such miscreants.
"Some insurance providers don’t ask questions about smoking at all, while others ask the question on an application form but do not require a test as the applicant is expected to answer the question honestly," said Kelly Ostler-Coyle of the Association of British Insurers.
Larger-trials needed to prove clinical worth
This technique is prone to error because it cannot tell if carbon monoxide in the breath came from sources other than cigarette such as traffic exhaust fumes. Therefore, the researchers admitted that further testing is needed to prove the worth of this device.
"This e-nose idea, whilst of interest, will require larger-scale trials to demonstrate clinical efficacy and patient acceptability before it can be considered for use," said a spokesman for the U.K. Department of Health.
A research article on the study appears in the journal Breath Research.
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