Product

EB is based upon an exhaled breath biological sample matrix. A passive collection device containing a thin electret (electrostatic) air filter is used to capture and retain submicron bioaerosol particles originating from the airway lining fluid of a donor’s lungs. These aerosols contain eliminated drugs that have passed through alveoli air sacs as blood flows through vessels in the lungs and are then expelled on a subject’s breath.

The single barrel collection device is a one-time-use, low cost, and compact unit. Each device is supplied individually boxed in a sealed package containing everything needed for a single sample collection procedure, including a leaflet with clear diagrammatic-based user instructions. The device is very easy to use, and the procedure is quick for both the sample donor and collector.

See user instructions.  (sensabues-user-instructions)

EB has been developed into a versatile platform that offers users a complete solution to collect, package, transport, extract, detect and then identify non-volatile compounds present in exhaled breath. This is a back-to-lab based testing methodology using standard chromatographic-mass spectrometric techniques such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS and HRMS. Alternatively, PCR type analysis can be used when appropriate.

As an integral part of the functional design, a small fraction of the exhaled breath passing through the collection device is diverted into a compact clear plastic bag. This bag serves two functions. Firstly, by inflating, it is a visual indicator that the donor is exhaling their breath through the collection device correctly. Secondly, when fully inflated, it indicates that the minimum required amount of exhaled air (~30 litres) has passed through the filter, which equates to ~3 minutes of normal tidal breathing, or less if the donor prefers to force air through the device.

Sensabues has filed applications for, and been granted, patents for key design features and functional aspects of the EB sampling device, system, and method.

More information on this technology and product is available to download from the ‘RESOURCES’ page on this website, including a list of the published technical papers as well as a list of FAQs.