Laser-based method and sample handling protocol for measuring breath acetone.

Journal article

A robust method is demonstrated to measure acetone in human breath at sub parts-per-million by volume (ppmv) concentrations using diode laser cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy. The laser operates in the near-infrared at about 1690 nm probing overtone transitions in acetone in a spectral region relatively free from interference from common breath species such as CO2, water, and methane. Using an optical cavity with a length of 45 cm, bound by mirrors of 99.997% reflectivity, a limit of detection of ∼180 parts-per-billion by volume (ppbv) (1σ) of breath acetone is achieved. The method is validated with measurements made with an ion-molecule reaction mass spectrometer. A technique to calibrate the optical cavity mirror reflectivity using a temperature dependent water vapor source is also described.

Authors: Hancock, G; Langley, C; Peverall, R; Ritchie, G; Taylor, D

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Analytical chemistry
• Volume: 86
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 5838-5843
• Publication date: 2014-06-01
• DOI: 10.1021/ac500614n
• EISSN: 1520-6882
• ISSN: 0003-2700
• Language: English