Metrology for breath gas analysis
Short Name: Breath-MET, Project Number: 25HLT02
Developing the metrology to make breath tests for diseases accurate, reliable and reproducible
The EU4Health programme aims to promote health, prevent diseases and ensure that medicinal products and devices are both accessible and affordable. One promising approach for a wide range of pathological conditions is by testing the exhaled breath of patients. Changes in breath profiles could be used to diagnose respiratory disorders, metabolic imbalances and cancers. Whilst this approach has been used in a limited number of cases, such as the LiMAx test to assess liver function, its widespread use has been hindered by a lack of validated protocols, reference materials and measurement traceability. In addition, the effect of storage and transportation on analysers and materials is currently not known.
This project will establish techniques, such as mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, to provide SI traceability for potential disease biomarkers down to the nanomole per mole level. Static and dynamic primary reference materials in breath matrices will also be produced and quantified. Existing and novel breath sampling, storage, and transportation protocols will be validated which will include the effect of environmental factors such as humidity and temperature.
This work will lay the foundations for the acceptance of breath analysis for the detection a range of diseases, helping improve the quality of life of EU citizens, and strengthen the pathway towards personalised medicine.