Cheap and easy human breath collection system for trace volatile organic compounds screening using thermal desorption – gas chromatography mass spectrometry

Abstract • By analyzing the VOCs presents in our breath, we could identify if some components should not be present in our bodies, or their concentration is higher or lower than normal. • To collect breath samples for VOC analysis, we looked into the current available methodologies and, due to their high prices, tried to develop our own easy and cheap device. A simple single use Minigrip LDPE plastic bag was used in this work and its efficiency and performance were tested. • After breath collection, samples were analyzed using Thermal Desorption (TD) system, coupled with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS).