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Fast and Accurate Exhaled Breath Ammonia Measurement
Published on: June 11, 2014
Storage of breath samples for H2 analyses.
C J Ellis1, J M Kneip, M D Levitt
1Research Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Gastroenterology
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Gas leakage from breath samples in standard syringes limits breath hydrogen tests. A simple mineral oil or water seal significantly reduces H2 and other gas loss from stored samples, improving test accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Breath hydrogen tests are crucial for diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions.
- Standard glass or plastic syringes used for breath sample collection are prone to gas leakage.
- This leakage can compromise the accuracy of test results, especially during prolonged sample storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the limitation of gas leakage in breath hydrogen testing.
- To introduce a simple method for preventing gas loss from collected breath samples.
- To enhance the reliability of breath hydrogen tests.
Main Methods:
- A novel technique using a mineral oil or water seal at the syringe barrel end was employed.
- The method was applied to standard glass and plastic syringes used for breath sample collection.
- Gas leakage was assessed, particularly for hydrogen (H2) and other relevant gases.
Main Results:
- The mineral oil or water seal markedly reduced gas leakage from breath samples.
- Leakage of H2 and other gases was reduced to negligible levels.
- The method proved effective for both short-term and long-term sample storage.
Conclusions:
- The described syringe manipulation effectively prevents gas loss from breath samples.
- This simple technique significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of breath hydrogen tests.
- The method offers a practical solution for enhancing diagnostic capabilities in clinical practice.
