Breath diagnostics in the era of SARS-CoV-2 - Clinical and research arena

Abstract

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has transformed not just healthcare, but also economic systems on a global scale. Despite significant efforts to contain the infection, it continues to spread. Stringent infection control measures have been taken to minimise the transmission between individuals and healthcare workers, especially those undertaking aerosol generating medical procedures. The uncertainties surrounding infection transmission through breath tests in particular, and to some extent faecal testing, will invariably cause concerns amongst both the patients and healthcare workers. It is therefore pertinent that all of the necessary measures are adopted to minimise risk of spreading. In this article, we summarise the physiology and virulence of SARS-CoV-2 and discuss the implications for breath testing (in both the clinical and research arena) as well as outlining methods to mitigate these risks.