Emissions and uptake of volatiles by sampling components in breath analysis

The first and most crucial step in breath research is adequate sampling, which plays a pivotal role in quality assurance of breath datasets. In particular, the emissions or uptake of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by sampling interface materials present a risk of disrupting breath gas samples. This study investigated emissions and uptake by three interface components, namely a silicon facemask, a reusable 3D-printed mouthpiece adapter, and a pulmonary function test filter compatible with the commercial Respiration Collector forIn-VitroAnalysis (ReCIVA) breath sampling device. Emissions were examined before and after (hydro-)thermal treatment of the components, and uptake was assessed by exposing each material to 12 representative breath VOCs comprising alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, terpenes, sulphurous and nitrogenous compounds at different target concentration ranges (

• Pham, Y. L.
• Holz, O.
• Beauchamp, J.