Breath tests for diseases

Dr Masood Yousef is using GCMS-TD (gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and thermal desorption) technology to develop a breath test for diagnosing diseases including diabetes and cancer.

Dr Yousef, a senior research assistant in the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating, is using GCMS-TD to analyse concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath.

‘Studies have shown that high concentrations of certain VOCs in breath can correlate with disease,’ said Dr Yousef. ‘For example, the odour of ‘pear drops’ esters and acetone in relation to diabetes, ammonia in relation to hepatitis, and dimethyl sulphide to cirrhosis. There are also certain compounds that seem to mark out particular types of cancer.

‘If unique markers for specific diseases can be recognised earlier than traditional techniques, then there is immense potential to revolutionise early disease diagnosis before any symptoms have developed, and without the need for invasive procedures.’

The system works by analysing all the component chemicals and compounds that make up a patient’s breath. The GCMS-TD creates a breath profile, which allows scientists to identify volatile organic compounds that may signify the presence of disease.