Analysis of breath is feasible and could provide a non-invasive method for early detection, continuous monitoring and management of lung injury/diseases caused by battlefield trauma and infectious/chronic illness. Currently, clinical measurement of nitric oxide NO in exhaled air is proving to be a reliable marker of lung inflammation and oxidative stress. However, current detector systems are expensive, benchtop system and only detect a single analyte. Recently, several other volatile gases, such as carbon monoxide CO and ammonia NH3 have been detected and correlated with various types of pulmonary injury/disease.

RG 110/05