Breath test for detecting liver disease

Volatile Organic Compounds for the Assessment of Liver Disease: Assessment of Hepatobiliary Disease Through Non-Invasive Detection of Exhaled Volatile Organic Compounds

Imperial College London · NCT04620538

This study is testing whether a breath test can help find liver diseases early by looking for specific compounds in the breath of patients visiting liver clinics.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London (other)
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT04620538 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the use of breath analysis to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may indicate the presence of liver diseases such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients attending liver outpatient services will provide breath samples, which will be analyzed using multi-platform mass spectrometry to establish a profile of VOCs associated with these conditions. The goal is to develop a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can accurately detect liver disease at an early stage.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients aged 18-90 with suspected or confirmed liver or pancreatic disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a simple and non-invasive method for early detection of serious liver conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promise in using breath analysis for detecting other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients seen in secondary care with suspected or confirmed liver / pancreatic disease or hepatocellular carcinoma / pancreatic cancer
* Patients able to understand and retain the information provided, thereby being able to give informed consent for inclusion in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who lack capacity or unable to provide informed consent.
* Any patient outside the established age range (18-90years).
* Patients unable to fast.

Where this trial is running

London

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cirrhosis, Cirrhosis, Liver, Fibrosis, Liver, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hepatocellular Cancer, Volatile Organic Compound, VOC

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.