Identification of disease characteristics using isotope ratios in breath
US7465276B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods are disclosed for distinguishing whether an animal is experiencing a bacterial infection or a viral infection. One monitors breath taken from the animal over time to measure the relative amount of a first breath stable isotope to a second breath stable isotope therein over time. A quick change in the isotope ratios within several hours from the likely infection is indicative of a bacterial infection. A delayed change in the isotope ratios, followed by periodic repeated alterations in the ratios, is indicative of viral infection. The methods are particularly efficient when using cavity ringdown spectroscopy for the monitoring. They may be used for monitoring a patient already admitted to a hospital, or for monitoring a patient initially complaining of adverse symptoms, or for triage, or for collectively monitoring a population of animals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.