Germ detection appts.|by analysis of respiratory gases using gas-sensing device, which typically includes semiconducting organic polymer

The method comprises: (a) introducing emitted subject respiratory gases to gas-sensing device; (b) detecting certain species present in emitted gases with device, and (c) correlating presence of species with the occurrence of the condition. A detector detects occurrence of a condition in a respiring subject, comprising: (a) a gas sensing device, and (b) means for introducing emitted subject respiratory gases to the gas sensing device. The device is adapted to recognise the occurrence of a condition in the subject when certain species present in the emitted gases are detected.Gas sensing device comprises array of gas sensors. It may include gas-sensitive material (especially semiconducting organic polymer). Electrical property of gas-sensitive material varies on exposure to gases. Device may comprise mass spectrometer or GC-MS device. Emitted gases are obtained from ventilator to which device may be directly connected.USE - Process/detector may be used for detecting occurrence of conditions such as lung disorders (e.g. pneumonia, tuberculosis or yeast infections), gastrointestinal infections, diabetes, alcohol or phenylketonuria.ADVANTAGE - As rapid as analysis is direct (i.e. there is no need to perform time-consuming culturing steps). Process-detector allow non-invasive clinical screening and monitoring of many conditions.