Abstract
In recent studies of the relationship between various diseases and the gases of human breath, the following fact was observed. By measuring the acetone concentration in human breath, one can check for the various levels of diabetes and obesity. This is due to the fact that acetone is produced through the lipid metabolic process and appears in exhaled human breath. The resulting concentration of acetone in human breath is a sensitive parameter that can use to know follow the progress of diabetes or obesity levels. Traditionally, conventional Gas Chromatography methods (GC) have been used to measure the acetone levels. However, because of its high cost, its complicated operation and the need of synthetic air, it is difficult to use GC for clinical testing. In an effort to improve on the GC measurement techniques for breath analysis, we have been successful in developing a portable Gas Chromatography system using a semiconductor gas sensor as the detection device. By combining sensor characteristics, with a temperature controlled GC column, and custom signal processing software, we have succeeded in developing a compact Portable Acetone Analyzer. Our new Portable Analyzer has a high sensitivity, does not require a carrier gas for measurement, ease of operation and provides a reliable method for data correction in the clinical tests.
