A device for sampling human alveolar breath for the measurement of expired volatile organic compounds

Thls report describes the development of a portable spirometer capable of collecting primarily alveolar breath into 1.8-L canlsters for subsequent gas chromatographicl rnass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysls. Based on CO2 measurements, greater than 97 % of the breath collected is alveolar in orlgln. Sample collection takes place in approxtmately two mlnutes. Clean alr for inhalation is provided by two organic vapor respirator cartridges. Studies of the breakthrough volume of test compounds at both the 5- and 50-q levels indlcate that each cartridge filter can be used to sample over 300 L of air and that this volume is not altered by Interm|ttent use and storage of the filter for up to five days. In experiments designed to mimic human breathing, recoveries of test compounds through the device at the 5-q level ranged from 87 to 112%. Essentlally n