Abstract
Rationale: Breath analysis by eNose technology represents a promising diagnostic tool in lung disease. Thet next step in making this technology suitable for multi-centre trials, such as the U-BIOPRED study, is to facilitate centralized (semi)-automatic measurements simultaneously.
Hypothesis: Incorporating multiple eNoses in a measurement- and control platform (integrated system of PC, mass flow controllers and valves) does not influence the sensor responses.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study on healthy volunteers (n = 12), exhaled breath was collected using a standardized method (Fens et al. AJRCCM 09). Two paired randomized measurements (standard configuration vs. platform) were done on two parallel eNoses (Cyranose C320). Analysis was done by linear regression. (see figure).
Results: There was a slight difference in sensor responses between paired measurements. However this was proportional for all sensors. (eNose 1: 0.961≤R2≤0.996, eNose 2: 0.982≤R2≤0.998). The slopes of the linear regression lines differed when changing the sampling flow.
Conclusion: The platform has a minimal, proportional influence on sensor responses, which can be adjusted for.
Implication: A parallel eNose platform can facilitate centralized, integrative analysis of different types of devices and thereby application of eNose technology on larger cohorts in a multi-centre setting.
- © 2011 ERS
