A team at Swansea University in UK is using the latest technology to create a breath test that would show if a person if suffering from a particular disease. The person will need to breathe on a paper strip which would then be analyzed for the concentration of airborne volatile organic compounds - airborne chemicals present in one’s breath.
Dr. Massod Yousef, senior research assistant at Swansea University and leader of the research, pointed out that “studies have shown that high concentrations of certain volatile organic compounds in breath can correlate with disease.” He also added that “different chemicals in an analysis of breath can make out particular types of cancerdefine, diabetes, hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.”
To analyze a person’s breath, the team is considering using complex detection methods such as electronic recognition of gas particles. This method would make use of heat to separate the particles present in the breath sample and would identify them through their atomic weights.
Dr. Yousef said, “If unique markers for specific diseases can be recognized earlier than traditional techniques, then there is immense potential to revolutionize early disease diagnosis before any symptoms have developed, and without the need for invasive procedures”.
As of the moment, no clinical trials of the study have been made. The team declared that years could pass before their research reaches NHS (National Health Services).
Breath tests are easier to do than blood or urine tests since breath samples can be easily collected. Samples could be collected by a person even outside the medical field, and would place neither the patient nor the collector in any risk. Using a breath test is also believed to be cost-effective, saving both time and money.
Dr. Julie Sharp from the Cancer Research UK said, “A test that is quick and easy to do would be very welcome, but these breath tests are still being developed and will need thorough testing in large numbers of people before they can be used to routinely screen for cancer.”
The research team hopes that continued study will enable them to develop the strips needed for early detection of diseases. The test could help save thousands of lives due to early detection if it proves to be successful.
Post new comment