Article via https://www.colorado.edu on 10 Apr 2023
The technology lacked sensitivity and, more importantly, the capability to link specific molecules to disease states, so they never tested it for diagnosing illness.
When compared to PCR, the gold standard COVID test, breathalyzer results matched 85% of the time.
Building a smaller breathalyzerToday, the “breathalyzer” consists of a complex array of lasers and mirrors about the size of a banquet table.
Because each kind of molecule absorbs light differently, breath samples with a different molecular make-up cast distinct shadows.
Ye and Liang continue to refine their breathalyzer to make its nose for disease even keener.