Device and method for collection of exhaled alveolar breath condensate

Abstract

A diagnosis method for respiratory disease based on the separation of the expired airway phase in an exhaled breath from the alveolar phase, and a device to accomplish the method. The device includes a cartridge assembly and a disposable condensing chamber carried in a substantially enclosed housing. The cartridge assembly includes a disposable cartridge and a reusable control system that monitors a characteristic of gas passing through the cartridge to determine when to divert the exhaled breath to an exhaust outlet and when to divert the exhaled breath to the condensing chamber. The characteristic is selected as being representative of the transition from the expired airway phase to the alveolar phase. Also included are a refrigeration system, an auxiliary monitoring system for determining when a sufficient volume of gas has been produced, and a built-in analyzer.

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       58 . A breath condensate collection apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a housing;    (b) a condensing chamber, carried by the housing, having an inlet that receives exhaled breaths from a mammalian subject and an outlet that permits a gaseous, non-condensed portion of the exhaled breaths to escape from the condensing chamber; and    (c) a built-in refrigeration system, carried by the housing, including: 
 a compressor,  
 an expansion valve,  
 an evaporator pipe arranged to cool the condensing chamber, and  
 a condenser pipe arranged to dissipate heat away from the condensing chamber.  
   
   
   
       59 . The breath condensate collection apparatus of  claim 58 , wherein the housing includes a cavity correspondingly shaped and sized to carry the condensing chamber, and wherein the evaporator pipe is disposed generally around the cavity.  
   
   
       60 . The breath condensate collection apparatus of  claim 59 , wherein when the condensing chamber is carried in the cavity, the condensing chamber makes contact with a substantial portion of the evaporator pipe.  
   
   
       61 . The breath condensate collection apparatus of  claim 59 , wherein the condensing chamber has walls constructed from a good heat conducting material.  
   
   
       62 . The breath condensate collection apparatus of  claim 61 , wherein the walls of the condensing chamber are constructed from aluminum.  
   
   
       63 . The breath condensate collection apparatus of  claim 59 , further comprising a ventilation system that dissipates heat generated by the refrigeration system.  
   
   
       64 . The breath condensate collection apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the ventilation system includes one or more vents in the housing.  
   
   
       65 . The breath condensate collection apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the ventilation system includes one or more fans.  
   
   
       66 . The breath condensate collection apparatus of  claim 59 , further comprising a temperature gauge arranged to provide an indication of the temperature of the condensing chamber.  
   
   
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