Breath Test May Be Able to Diagnose Osteoarthritis

Physicians may one day be able to detect osteoarthritis and other medical conditions by giving their patients a breath test.

Researchers in Michigan are experimenting with a new technique called comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCx2GC) to identify biomarkers in human breath.

Lead researcher Dr. Stacy Seeley said the potential of breath analysis in the medical field is great because the procedure is non-invasive and presents no biological hazard.

"Since breath is essentially in equilibrium with blood, it makes sense that there may be volatile organic compounds in your breath that could serve as biomarkers for disease," said Seeley, assistant professor of chemistry at Kettering University in Flint, MI.

Seeley said human breath is a complex mixture of compounds, with many occurring at trace levels, that until now could not be separated.

In their study, the researchers will compare breath samples from individuals who have and have not been diagnosed with osteoarthritis to volatile organic compounds in the breath that are indicative of the disease.

"If we find common biomarkers in osteoarthritis patients, we can use them as a benchmark for future diagnoses," said Seeley.

Other sources: Kettering University