Engineers and physicians at the University of California-Davis have developed a breath test to detect opioids.
The test involves having a person breathe normally into a specialized collection device. The droplets in their breath are condensed and then stored for testing. The droplets are tested using a mass spectrometry device to identify compounds.
The researchers used the breath test in a small group of patients receiving infusions of opioid pain medications, such as morphine and hydromorphone, or oral doses of oxycodone.
They compared blood tests of the patients to breath tests using the new device and found that both indicated the presence of opioids.
The breath test could be used to monitor chronic pain patients to make sure they are taking their medications correctly and that their medications are working as intended.
The research team detailed its work in the Journal of Breath Research.