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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery
Published on: February 14, 2019
From molecules in space to molecules in breath
1Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine - Keele University, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, UK.
Selected Ion Flow Tube-Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) evolved for analyzing interstellar reactions and now detects volatile biomarkers in breath. It identifies diseases like cystic fibrosis by measuring compounds such as hydrogen cyanide, indicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomarker Discovery
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Selected Ion Flow Tube (SIFT) technology was initially developed for studying interstellar ion-molecule reactions.
- Selected Ion Flow Tube-Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) is an advanced analytical technique derived from SIFT.
- SIFT-MS has shown significant potential in non-invasive breath analysis for disease detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To briefly describe the evolution of SIFT to SIFT-MS.
- To highlight the application of SIFT-MS in breath analysis for detecting volatile disease biomarkers.
- To emphasize the potential of SIFT-MS in identifying respiratory pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Briefly outlines the historical development from SIFT to SIFT-MS.
- Focuses on the application of SIFT-MS for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath.
- Discusses the identification and quantification of specific biomarkers, including gaseous hydrogen cyanide.
Main Results:
- SIFT-MS is a versatile technique applicable to breath analysis.
- Specific volatile biomarkers can be detected and quantified in breath.
- Elevated hydrogen cyanide levels in breath are associated with cystic fibrosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
Conclusions:
- SIFT-MS is a valuable tool for breath analysis and biomarker discovery.
- The technique holds promise for the early detection of respiratory diseases and infections.
- Hydrogen cyanide serves as a specific biomarker for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients.
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