Stability of sulfur gases in breath samples for diagnosing bad breath

Evaluation of the Stability of Volatile Sulfur Compounds in Gas Samples for Halitosis Diagnosis

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT06483646

This project will test whether sulfur-containing gases in breath samples stay stable for up to 7 days so people with bad breath can collect samples away from the clinic.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other
Locations1 site (Strasbourg)
Trial IDNCT06483646 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will collect gaseous breath samples from adults attending a dental clinic in Strasbourg for periodontal evaluation and measure volatile sulfur compound (VSC) concentrations immediately and after intervals up to seven days. Samples will be stored under controlled conditions and reanalyzed to compare VSC levels over time. The protocol excludes people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, under legal guardianship, unable to consent, or currently enrolled in another clinical protocol. The aim is to determine whether delayed analysis of mailed or self-collected samples provides reliable VSC results for halitosis diagnosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults presenting for diagnosis or treatment of periodontal disease who can give informed consent and are affiliated with a social health insurance plan are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, under guardianship or unable to give informed consent, or currently enrolled in another clinical study would not be eligible and therefore would not benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could let patients self-collect breath samples and have them analyzed remotely, reducing travel and improving access to objective halitosis testing.

How similar studies have performed: Measuring VSCs is an established method for diagnosing halitosis, but whether gaseous breath samples remain stable for days before analysis is not well established and is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult, male or female
* Subject affiliated with a social health insurance plan
* Able to understand the objectives and risks of the research and to give dated and signed informed consent
* Subject presenting for consultation for diagnosis and treatment of periodontal pathology

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subject under safeguard of justice
* Subject under guardianship or curatorship
* Pregnancy or breast-feeding
* Impossibility of giving the subject informed information (subject in emergency situation, difficulties in understanding the subject, etc.)
* Subject currently included in another clinical research protocol or in an exclusion period

Where this trial is running

Strasbourg

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 Halitosis
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.