Non-invasive diagnostics based on breath analysis have advanced significantly in recent years. However, collecting adequate samples remains a major challenge, especially for newborns and vulnerable patients in critical care units. To address this, scientists at the Laboratory of Lightwave Metrology, in collaboration with the University Hospital at Technical University Munich and University Clinic Essen, have developed a breath sample collection procedure specifically for infrared spectroscopy from neonates.

Monitoring the health of neonates is crucial for early therapeutic intervention if deviations from physiological conditions occur, as this can significantly impact their long-term development. Preterm neonates, due to their immaturity, require particularly careful physical and neurological diagnostic methods that ideally are non-invasive, non-contact, and radiation-free to minimize external stress. To meet these requirements, Dr. Kiran Maiti and colleagues are developing a diagnostic method based on exhaled breath for neonates. In their new paper, they report the investigation of four different sample collection methods, depending on the type of respiratory support the neonates were receiving. The team analyzed several breath metabolites, illustrating that passive sample collection from neonates can provide sufficient information to effectively monitor neonatal health.

These sample collection methods not only support neonatal health monitoring but also pave the way for early diagnostic tools for these patients. Additionally, this approach can potentially be adapted for breath sample collection in adult patients in intensive care units, who are unable to provide breath samples through conventional processes.

Original publication:

Nadia Feddahi, Lea Hartmann, Ursula Felderhoff-Müser, Susmita Roy, Renée Lampe, and Kiran Sankar Maiti, “Neonatal Exhaled Breath Sampling for Infrared Spectroscopy: Biomarker Analysis” ACS Omega 2024 9 (28), 30625-30635

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02635