Measuring Hydrogen Peroxide in Exhaled Breath Condensate in HV

Overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of an Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) device. EBC measurements can be used for the assessments of lung inflammation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Current assessments are based on patient symptoms and simple spirometry tests. Unfortunately, these tests are not directly correlated to lung inflammation in these diseases. Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) serves as a simple and non-invasive measurement which can potentially inform clinical decision-making. EBC measures hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations in exhaled breath and significantly higher concentrations are found in COPD patients. Following a successful pilot study we now want to evaluate the device with real breath samples from healthy volunteers. We want to evaluate the consistency of 3 measurements a month apart.

We aim to recruit 20 healthy volunteers . Our purpose with this study is to evaluate the analytical performance of the device and the data processing and consistency of measurement over 3 measurements a month apart. Participants will be screened to see if they are suitable for the study. The Screening procedure will take approximately one hour and involve the researcher going through a list of questions related to their health and any medications they are currently taking. A hard copy of the participant information sheet will be provided at the appointment and participants will be encouraged to ask questions. Participants will then be presented with a consent form.. After the consent form has been signed, the breath collection protocol can then begin. The handheld breath collection apparatus will be switched on by the researcher and allowed to achieve the correct temperature (1-2 minutes). A sterilised disposable plastic mouthpiece will be fitted. The participant will be asked to hold the breath collection device and breath normally into the plastic mouthpiece for up to 5 minutes . The researcher will take the instrument and remove the condensed breath sample, place it in a numbered vial and remove it for analysis in the laboratory. Ideally, three samples per participant will be collected, but the participant may withdraw consent at any point. All samples will be pseudonymised to protect participant confidentiality. The individual results of the analysis will be made available to the participants. If requested. Three successive measurements will be made at monthly intervals in each individual healthy volunteer requiring them to visit the Hospital on three occasions.