CONDENSATE COLORIMETRIC NITROGEN OXIDE ANALYZER

摘要

Disclosed is a device for determination of the content of higher oxides of nitrogen in exhaled breath condensate which comprises a conduit (7) having an exhaling condensing portion with an inlet and an outle t (the inlet can be configured to fit with a mechanical respirator, or for direct use by a patient, an inlet assembly providing one-way ingress (2) of ambient atmosphere so the device can be associated with the inlet of the conduit exhaling condensing portion); a coolant jacket (6) coaxially surrounding said exhaling condensing portion; a gas release port; and, in an enclosed fluid communication with said conduit exhaling condensing portion outlet, a sample assay assembly (9) comprising the following: (a) a translucent analysis chamber attached to the outlet to receive condensate fluid and having a reagent port; (b) a reagent chamber in enclosed fluid communication with the reagent entry port; and (c) a pliable element connecting the oulet and the analysis chamber and forming a portion of the reagent chamber such that flexion of the pliable element closes communication between the owlet and the analysis chamber and contracts the reagent chamber so as to deliver to the analysis chamber controlled amounts of condensate and reagent. The device is disposable and-inexpensive, and is used to collec thuman exhaling for colorimetric assay of liquid and gas phase nitrogen oxides to assist in evaluation of airway inflammation.