Quantification of volatile metabolites in exhaled breath by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT-MS
Patrik Španěl, David Smith
Abstract
(non-reactive with major components of air), ionize analyte molecules during a defined time in a flow tube by ion-molecule reactions thus producing analyte ions that are characteristic of the neutral analyte VOCs. Concentrations can be calculated in real-time from the ion count rates. Direct on-line analysis of single or multiple breath exhalations or off-line analysis of breath samples collected into bags can be performed. Several volatile breath metabolites have been quantified by SIFT-MS, including ammonia, acetone, hydrogen cyanide, alcohols, pentane, acetic acid, methane, and sulphur compounds. Their potential as biomarkers is discussed.
Topics & Concepts
ChemistryBreath gas analysisAnalyteMass spectrometryChromatographyReagentChemical ionizationVolatile organic compoundIonAnalytical Chemistry (journal)IonizationOrganic chemistryAdvanced Chemical Sensor TechnologiesAnalytical Chemistry and ChromatographyMass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications