Detection of COVID-19 By Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Breath (VOCs) - A Pilot Study

To effectively control the spread of COVID-19, a simple, non-invasive method that can detect infection even when a patient's respiratory symptoms are mild or if they are asymptomatic is needed. Previous research has shown that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath can be used to detect respiratory infections, such as respiratory viruses, mycobacteria and other bacterial pathogens. The use of VOCs to detect COVID-19 may be a very promising approach to assist with diagnosis. This research project seeks to collect breath samples from COVID-19 positive patients at the time of diagnosis, during and after recovery using the patient as their own control to identify VOCs specific to COVID-19. Additionally, the project aims to determine a patient's disease trajectory in terms of recovery versus progression to respiratory or multi-organ failure. Dr. Myers research will involve using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure VOCs in exhaled breath. The VOC profiles from the symptomatic phase and recovery phase will be compared to determine if there are unique VOCs associated with COVID-19 infection. Dr. Myers hypothesis is that comparison of VOC profiles between those who recover and those who progressed will provide information on potential prognostic features.