Applied Nanodetectors

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common reason for primary care consultations, accounting for 17 million consultations in the European Union. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in primary care for RTIs for both adults and children even though in most cases they are viral infections. Our new product will improve patient outcomes by enabling healthcare practitioners to distinguish between viral or bacterial infections by measuring exhaled breath volatile organic compound (VOC) biomarkers. It has the potential to change current practice by informing the GP to prescribe antibiotics for people with symptoms of respiratory tract infections during a primary care consultation.