Northumbria University develop a breath testing device to diagnose diseases.

Newcastle’s Northumbria University researchers have developed a breath testing device for diagnosing diseases, which collects biomarkers from a patient’s lung.
Some medical breath detection systems already exist, but they have not been proved effective due to sample loss and contamination from collected samples. However, the device developed by Northumbria University is sufficiently accurate so that data closely resembles the results of surgically taken lung samples.
Research lead and Associate Professor, Northumbria University, Dr Sterghios Moschos, stated: “Our ambition is to reduce the need for bloodletting for diagnosis in its broadest sense. The research evidence that shows this is possible is well established, what is missing is the standardised and reliable approach to do so outside the research lab, in pharmacies, GP surgeries or the back of an ambulance for example. World Health Organisation currently recommends testing nasal swabs, oral swabs and swabs from inside the lungs to avoid missing the infection. That’s why it’s vital that we develop non-invasive, quick and cost-effective tests for diagnosis and screening.”