A new chromatographic instrument for measuring trace concentrations of breath-hydrogen.
A new instrument has been developed which offers many advantages over instruments presently utilized for the measurement of breath-hydrogen used to evaluate the intestinal absorption of sugars. The gas analyzer has a solid-state sensor which is more specific for hydrogen than most conventional chromatographic detectors. Air can be used as the carrier gas and can be circulated with a small internal pump, thereby eliminating large carrier gas tanks and pressure regulators. The intersample time is approximately 2 min, allowing rapid serial analysis of breath samples. A unique feature allows a short-term memory circuit to recall the signal and present it on a digital panel meter in parts per million. Recorder terminals on the back permit the generation of a permanent record, if desired. The gas analyzer is small, light-weight and simple to operate. Its application to the serial measurement of hydrogen in alveolar air after ingestion of sugars is demonstrated.
D001944:Breath Tests / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D002845:Chromatography / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000378:metabolism
D006859:Hydrogen