Measuring chemicals in breath to identify COVID-19 infection

Identification of COVID-19 Infection from Measurement of Exhaled Breath

Observational N5 Sensors · NCT06571136

This study is testing if measuring certain chemicals in breath can help quickly identify people with COVID-19, especially in crowded places.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorN5 Sensors Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Everett, Washington)
Trial IDNCT06571136 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to measure the types and concentrations of chemicals in exhaled breath to determine if individuals are infected with COVID-19. Using a specialized device developed by N5 Sensors, the breath of both infected and non-infected individuals will be analyzed to identify specific chemical markers associated with COVID-19. Additionally, nasal mucus samples will be collected to confirm the presence of the virus through RT-PCR and antigen testing. The goal is to establish breath analysis as a rapid screening method for COVID-19, particularly in large public gatherings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 70 who can provide informed consent and meet specific testing criteria for COVID-19.

Not a fit: Patients with severe lung disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or those who are daily smokers may not benefit from this study due to their inability to provide adequate breath samples.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide a quick and non-invasive way to screen for COVID-19, potentially reducing transmission at public events.

How similar studies have performed: While breath analysis for disease detection is an emerging field, this specific approach to identifying COVID-19 through breath chemicals is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subject must complete the consent process
2. Subjects of both sexes must be ≥ 18 and ≤ 70 years old
3. Control subjects must have negative RT-PCR and antigen test
4. COVID subjects must have a positive RT-PCR and/or antigen test.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects with severe lung disease which would prevent them from providing a breath sample through a large bore tube (e.g., large drinking straw)
2. Subjects with uncontrolled diabetes (e.g., ketoacidosis)
3. Subjects who are routinely exposed to paints, paint thinners, gasoline, varnishes, glues, dry cleaning solvents, or industrial cleaning products
4. Subjects who are daily smokers of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, tobacco products, or marijuana
5. Subjects who have consumed alcohol in the previous 24 hours
6. Have not consumed large amounts of garlic (38 grams) over the prior 24 hours. This amount of garlic can come from approximately 6 garlic cloves or garlic supplement capsules,
7. Subjects who are experiencing respiratory failure

Where this trial is running

Everett, Washington

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.
Conditions COVID-19Breath testingNasal swab
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.