Diagnostic potential of breath analysis – Focus on the dynamics of volatile organic compounds
Wolfram Miekisch, Pritam Sukul, Jochen K. Schubert
Highlights
Breath analysis provides insights into human physio-metabolic as well as pathophysiological processes through a noninvasive window.
A unique feature of VOC emission from living organisms is the highly dynamic and quickly changing nature of breath composition.
Single point breath analyses can not take into account the dynamic nature of exhaled VOC profiles or reflect the kinetics of exogenous confounders.
Dynamic VOC profiling provides kinetic information of markers and confounders and towards physico-metabolic, therapeutic and environmental monitoring.
Driven by innovative technologies such as real time MS and specific sensors , future applications may range from homecare to ICU monitoring.