Optimized breath analysis: customized analytical methods and enhanced workflow for broader detection of VOCs.

Introduction: Breath Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are promising biomarkers for clinical purposes due to their unique properties. Translation of VOC biomarkers into the clinic depends on identification and validation: a challenge requiring collaboration, well-established protocols, and cross-comparison of data. Previously, we developed a breath collection and analysis method, resulting in 148 breath-borne VOCs identified.

High-quality identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) originating from breath.

Introduction: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can arise from underlying metabolism and are detectable in exhaled breath, therefore offer a promising route to non-invasive diagnostics. Robust, precise, and repeatable breath measurement platforms able to identify VOCs in breath distinguishable from background contaminants are needed for the confident discovery of breath-based biomarkers.

Objectives: To build a reliable breath collection and analysis method that can produce a comprehensive list of known VOCs in the breath of a heterogeneous human population.