Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Real-time Breath Analysis by Using Secondary Nanoelectrospray Ionization Coupled to High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 9, 2018
Exhaled breath volatile alterations in pregnancy assessed with electronic nose
Andras Bikov1, Judit Pako, Dorottya Kovacs
1Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University , Budapest , Hungary.
Context:
Pregnancy-linked accelerated metabolism and oxidative stress may alter the exhaled volatile compound pattern ("breathprint"). Electronic noses can distinguish "breathprints" associated with different disorders.
Objective:
This is the first study assessing alterations in "breathprint" during gestation.
Material And Methods:
130 women participated in our study (78 pregnant vs. 52 non-pregnant). Breath samples were processed by an electronic nose and analyzed using principal component analysis.
Results:
Significant differences were found in exhaled breath pattern between pregnant and non-pregnant women (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Pregnancy-induced changes in exhaled gases need to be considered when pregnant women with respiratory disorders carry out breath tests.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...

