Monday, June 8, 2020, 12:00 PM
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The best known corona test is the long cotton swab test, which is inserted into the patient’s nose to remove mucus. But there may be a new method soon: a breath test with the e-nose (electronic nose). The Franciscus Gasthuis in Rotterdam is testing this device, which ‘smells’ lung diseases, among corona patients.
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The e-nose measures a patient’s exhaled air. The bladder is designed to detect lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. You blow through the ejection nozzle and the exhaled particles are then analyzed by a computer. “The device looks at patterns, such as a human can recognize (odor) molecules as coffee or chocolate,” explains lung specialist Hans in ‘t Veen.
It takes approximately six to eight hours for the result to become known with the current cotton swab test. This could be a lot faster with the e-nose. “If this works, we do not have to isolate patients in separate rooms for a long time. This is beneficial for hospitals, but also for patients. Waiting for a result for a day or a night is very annoying.”
Medical student Elyke Visser is working on a study with a lung specialist in ‘t Veen. “I’m waiting at the Emergency Room for someone with a suspicion to enter Corona,” Elyke explains. She then talks to this person and then performs the test with the e-nose. A ‘normal’ corona test is also still being conducted.
The student is not afraid to work with corona patients. She is wearing protective clothing and a mask. “I am delighted that I can participate in this study. If it turns out that this device works, I am very proud!”
The research is an initiative of the Leiden University Medical Center and several hospitals are now participating in the test. In a few weeks it will become clear whether the e-nose is indeed a good alternative to the current corona test.
The Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland hospital is still looking for ‘guinea pigs’. Are you the
tested positive for corona last week and would you like to participate in this study? Mail to [email protected]
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