RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

HOspital Versus Primary Care Breath Test Environment (HOPE) Study

The HOPE study is investigating breath tests, which are quick and easy ways to check for certain health problems. Researchers want to know if these tests work just as well when done at your local GP surgery as they do in a hospital. This is important because it could help doctors use these tests more often in GP surgeries to quickly identify patients who might need further checks. If the tests are proven to be reliable in both settings, it means less waiting and quicker care for patients. The study also looks at whether results from the same person stay consistent over time. Professor George Hanna from Imperial College London is leading this important research.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

Start

05 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Breath Test

What is this study about?

Imagine a simple breath test could help your doctor decide if you need further investigations for a health issue straight away, instead of a "watch and wait" approach. That's the exciting potential of breath tests. This study, called HOPE, is looking closely at how these breath tests work. We already know from a previous study (MAGIC) that most patients find breath tests very easy to do at their GP surgery.

Now, the HOPE study wants to make sure that these breath tests give accurate and consistent results no matter where you have them done – whether it's at your local doctor's surgery (primary care) or in a hospital (secondary care). They also want to see if your breath samples give similar results if collected at different times. If the answers are yes, it means that valuable research already done in hospitals can be applied to using these tests more broadly in GP surgeries.

This could change how doctors manage patients with certain symptoms. Instead of waiting to see if symptoms get worse before referring you to a specialist, your GP could offer a quick breath test. If the test suggests a potential issue, you could be referred for early checks. If the test is clear, it could give both you and your doctor peace of mind, though you'd be re-tested if symptoms continued.

Key takeaways

HOPE study investigates breath tests for health conditions.
Aims to see if breath tests work equally well at GP surgeries and hospitals.
Could lead to quicker and more appropriate referrals for patients.
Breath tests are non-invasive and easy to perform.
You must be 18 or over and understand what is involved to participate.
Pregnant women cannot take part in this study.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in the HOPE study, you need to be at least 18 years old. It's really important that you understand what the study involves and are happy to agree to take part.

There aren't many reasons why someone couldn't join. The main group of people who won't be able to participate are pregnant women. Apart from that, most adults aged 18 and over can be considered. This is because the study compares your own breath samples over time, rather than comparing you to other people.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?
Are you not currently pregnant?
Are you willing to provide breath samples?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided doesn't go into detail about specific visits, assessments, medication, follow-up, or total duration for the HOPE study. From what is available, it suggests you would likely be asked to provide breath samples. These samples would then be sent to a lab for analysis. The study aims to see how your breath samples might differ when collected in a GP surgery compared to a hospital, and how consistent your own results are over time. It's designed to be a non-invasive investigation, meaning it doesn't involve any surgical procedures or anything that goes into your body.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in research studies like HOPE helps us understand more about potential new ways to check for health conditions. The main potential benefit is contributing to knowledge that could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis for future patients. This study involves a non-invasive breath test, so the physical risks are expected to be very low, similar to breathing normally. You have the right to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Imperial College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Imperial College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a breath test?

A breath test is a simple and non-invasive way to check for certain health issues by analysing the chemicals in the air you breathe out.

Why is this study important?

It helps us understand if breath tests can be reliably used at your local GP surgery, potentially leading to quicker checks and referrals for patients with symptoms.

Will I get results from my breath test?

The information doesn't specify if individual participants will receive their test results from this research study.

Is the breath test safe?

Yes, breath tests are considered very safe because they just involve breathing normally into a device.

Who is leading this research?

Professor George Hanna, a leading expert from Imperial College London, is the main researcher (chief investigator) for the HOPE study.

How to find out more

Michael Fadel, BSc MBBS MRCS

m.fadel@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7594 3396 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.