Analysis of biogenic volatile organic compounds in human health and disease

The analysis of volatile biomarkers of disease in breath is attractive because breath analysis is non-invasive and quick, and allows for repeated sampling. Challenges faced in the development of breath analysis include developing techniques that can measure analytes at very low concentrations, gaining an understanding of the exhalation physiology of individual volatiles, and determining the relationship between the proposed biomarker and the underlying condition. A small number of breath tests are used in clinical practice, but there is great potential for the development and wider application of clinical breath analysis in infection, inflammation, cancer and metabolic disease.