Influence of operational background emissions on breath analysis using MCC/IMS devices

Multi-Capillary Column coupled to an Ion Mobility Spectrometer (MCC/IMS) is widely used for Breath Analysis. During this analysis a part of room air variations, also operational background emissions have to be considered. In the study reported here we analyze the background emissions of two different intubation methods, an endotracheal tube and a laryngeal mask used in anesthesia. Also a straight connector used to collect the patients breath is studied. Laboratory measurements have been carried out with MCC/IMS and also with a Gas Chromatograph—Mass Selective Detector (GC/MSD), showing different plastic compositions and MCC/IMS chromatographs. Patients breath measurements were carried out while the patients were anesthetized and intubated. In the breath analysis of patients under anesthesia one specific peak of the endotracheal tube has been found, and also two specific peaks from the laryngeal mask. Nonspecific peak due to the straight connector has also been found, showing its suitability for sampling collection.