System and method for monitoring health using exhaled breath

Abstract

The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring endogenous compound concentration in blood by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient, wherein such markers are the endogenous compound itself or result from the endogenous compound. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial” or “electronic” noses or tongues, to non-invasively monitor endogenous compound levels in blood. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking endogenous compound concentrations in blood (remote or proximate locations) and providing the necessary alerts with regard to emergent or harmful conditions in a patient.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method for detecting an anesthetic agent in the breath of a subject receiving said anesthetic agent intravenously which comprises:
 capturing at least one breath sample or a portion of a breath sample of said subject and subjecting said breath sample or portion thereof to analysis by a breath analyzer for analyzing the patient's breath for concentration of at least one substance, selected from the group consisting of the active anesthetic agent itself or a metabolite thereof.   
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20  wherein said breath analyzer comprises a collector for sampling the patient's expired breath, a sensor for analyzing the breath for concentration of at least one substance indicative of the anesthetic agent concentration, a processor for calculating the effect of the agent based on the concentration and determining depth of anesthesia. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 21  wherein the sensor is selected from semiconductor gas sensor technology, surface acoustic wave gas sensor technology or conductive polymer gas sensor technology. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 20 , further comprising respiratory phase sensor technology for determining a specific phase of the respiratory cycle from which the sample of breath is collected. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 23  wherein said respiratory phase sensor technology is selected from the group consisting of: viscosity sensors; flow sensors; pressure sensors; humidity sensors; temperature sensors; and gas sensors. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said respiratory phase sensor technology is selected from the group consisting of: CO 2  sensors; O 2  sensors; and NO sensors. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the sample of breath is collected from the initial phase or end-tidal phase. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20  wherein said anesthetic agent is propofol.