Offline Breath Analysis: Standardization of Breath Sampling and Analysis Using Mass Spectrometry and Innovative Algorithms

Abstract

AbstractOver the last decades, breath analysis has been postulated as a useful tool for the noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Specifically, offline breath analysis is currently the most common method used for biomarker discovery phase in human exhaled breath. In offline breath analysis, exhaled breath samples are collected in containers and stored prior to analysis, which enables to collect samples from patients at different places. This approach is mainly conducted by analytical platforms with high sensitivity, robustness, and reproducibility, such as technologies based on mass spectrometry. This comprehensive review provides an overview of all aspects of offline breath analysis, including sample collection protocols, challenges of breath sampling standardization, analytical techniques, data preprocessing, and the complex algorithms implemented for data analysis.KeywordsBreath analysisExhaled breathOffline breath analysisVOCsVolatile organic compoundsVolatilomeVolatilomics