Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
06:27
Fast and Accurate Exhaled Breath Ammonia Measurement
Published on: June 11, 2014
Exhaled breath condensate: methodological recommendations and unresolved questions
I Horváth1, J Hunt, P J Barnes
1National Korányi Institute for Pulmonology, Dept of Pathophysiology, Budapest PO Box 1, Piheno u. 1. H-1529, Hungary. hildiko@koranyi.hu
The European Respiratory Journal
|September 2, 2005
Summary
Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection offers a noninvasive lung sampling method. Guidelines were established for EBC collection and assay to improve its use in diagnosing and managing respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
- Noninvasive Diagnostics
Background:
- Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a noninvasive source of lung mediators like cytokines and oxidative stress markers.
- Mediator concentrations and pH in EBC reflect lung disease status and therapeutic responses.
- Standardization of EBC collection and analysis is crucial for clinical application.
Framework:
- The American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society convened a task force on EBC.
- The task force aimed to identify methodological issues and provide measurement recommendations.
- Consensus-based general recommendations for oral EBC collection were developed.
Implementation:
- Collect EBC during tidal breathing with a noseclip and saliva trap.
- Standardize cooling temperature and collection time (e.g., 10 minutes for 1-2 mL).
- Utilize inert materials for the condenser, avoiding resistors or filters.
Implications:
- Further research is needed on particle formation, dilution markers, and reproducibility.
- Longitudinal studies and validation in patient management are required.
- Standardized EBC analysis holds potential for improved respiratory disease diagnosis and monitoring.
