Within-day and between-day repeatability of measurements with an electronic nose in patients with COPD

J Breath Res. 2013 Mar;7(1):017103. doi: 10.1088/1752-7155/7/1/017103. Epub 2013 Feb 27.

Abstract

Electronic noses (e-noses), artificial sensor systems generally consisting of chemical sensor arrays for the detection of volatile compound profiles, have potential applications in respiratory medicine. We assessed within-day and between-day repeatability of an e-nose made from 32 sensors in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We also compared between-day repeatability of an e-nose, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and pulmonary function testing. Within-day and between-day repeatability for the e-nose was assessed in two breath samples collected 30 min and seven days apart, respectively. Repeatability was expressed as an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). All sensors had ICC above 0.5, a value that is considered acceptable for repeatability. Regarding within-day repeatability, ICC ranged from 0.75 to 0.84 (mean = 0.80 ± 0.004). Sensors 6 and 19 were the most reproducible sensors (both, ICC = 0.84). Regarding between-day repeatability, ICC ranged from 0.57 to 0.76 (mean = 0.68 ± 0.01). Sensor 19 was the most reproducible sensor (ICC = 0.76). Within-day e-nose repeatability was greater than between-day repeatability (P < 0.0001). Between-day repeatability of FENO (ICC = 0.91) and spirometry (ICC range = 0.94-0.98) was greater than that of e-nose (mean ICC = 0.68). In patients with stable COPD, the e-nose used in this study has acceptable within-day and between-day repeatability which varies between different sensors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breath Tests / instrumentation*
  • Exhalation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / metabolism*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Spirometry

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide