Biomarkers

A classic application of breath analysis is the search for biomarkers. In such studies, breath spectra from healthy volunteers are compared with those from subjects or patients with specific conditions.

ProC-TOF The instrument is particularly well-suited to biomarker research. As it records complete spectra containing all relevant information, it offers immense potential for data mining and allows existing data to be re-analysed for newly identified markers. The ability to analyse breath (and ambient air) in real time provides immediate results and high throughput, whilst minimising the workload.

Breath biomarkers for smoking

The most prominent biomarkers typically found in breath are those indicating the subject’s smoking status. These markers should always be identified, as they can easily act as confounding factors in more interesting correlations.

COVID-19 Disease Screening

SARS-CoV-2 currently has the entire world in its grip. Rapid, non-invasive tests to detect infection would represent a major step forward. Some of our clients are using ProC-TOF to develop rapid screening tests for COVID-19 or to monitor treatment for COVID-19.

Lung Cancer

The ‘Holy Grail’ of breath screening tests is the detection of lung cancer. In a multicentre clinical study, ProC-TOF was used to identify biomarkers of lung cancer.

Kidney function

A clinical study was conducted in which patients were tested before and after kidney transplants. In this study, ProC-TOF identified a compound in the breath that correlates with serum creatinine levels (a marker of kidney function).