Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Volatile Organic Compounds Analysis by PTR-TOF-MS for Screening Respiratory Infections Using Exhaled Breath.

This study, called VORTEX-1, is exploring a new way to quickly and easily detect breathing infections, such as those caused by viruses like COVID-19 or the flu. Researchers are looking at the 'silent chemicals' in your breath, called 'volatile organic compounds' (VOCs), which can change when you have an infection. They use a special machine to analyse these chemicals. The goal is to see if this breath test can replace less comfortable methods like nose and throat swabs. This could lead to a faster, simpler way to spot respiratory infections, helping to improve how we monitor and diagnose these common illnesses without needing to go to hospital.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

1,665

Start

02 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

02 Jun 2029

COVID-19 Infections Respiratory Infections, Acute

What is this study about?

Imagine being able to tell if you have a breathing infection, like a cold, flu, or even COVID-19, just by breathing into a machine. That’s exactly what this study, VORTEX-1, is investigating. When we breathe out, our breath contains tiny invisible chemicals, which we can think of as a sort of 'breathprint'. This breathprint can change when we're unwell, especially if we have an infection in our lungs or airways. Scientists are trying to understand if these changes are unique enough to identify specific illnesses.

The researchers are using a very sensitive machine, a bit like a high-tech breathalyser, to spot and measure these tiny chemicals in your breath. This machine works incredibly fast and can pick up many different chemicals at once. The idea is that if this method works, it could provide a much quicker and more comfortable way to diagnose infections compared to current tests, which often involve swabs taken from your nose or throat. Eventually, this kind of breath test could be used in places like GP surgeries or even local clinics, making diagnosis much easier for everyone.

To do this, the study needs to compare the breath of people who are currently experiencing symptoms of a breathing infection with the breath of healthy people. By doing this comparison, they hope to find specific 'chemical signatures' that clearly show when someone has an infection. This research is also looking at other factors, like the tiny germs living in our airways and how our bodies react to infection, to get a complete picture. Finding a fast, simple breath test could change how we identify and respond to common illnesses like flu and COVID-19, helping medical teams respond more quickly and effectively.

Key takeaways

Aims to find a new, faster way to diagnose breathing infections.
Uses a special machine to analyse chemicals in your breath.
Could replace uncomfortable nose/throat swabs in the future.
Needs both people with infection symptoms and healthy volunteers.
Participation involves a simple, non-invasive breath test.
Helps advance medical science without personal risks.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You might be eligible if you are currently experiencing symptoms of a breathing infection, such as a cough, sore throat, or general cold or flu-like feelings. The study also needs healthy volunteers who do not have any breathing infections or serious long-term health problems.

You won't be able to join if you are under 18. Also, if you have certain serious long-term health conditions, like severe lung disease (requiring constant oxygen), serious kidney or liver problems, or certain types of cancer or severe diabetes, you won't be able to participate. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people who have drunk alcohol in the last 12 hours, or those who can't follow instructions for blowing into a breath test device are also not able to take part. Volunteers with psychiatric care or those living in care homes for reasons other than research will also be excluded.

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?
Do you currently have symptoms of a breathing infection (e.g., cough, sore throat, cold/flu)? (Healthy volunteers without symptoms are also needed).
Are you able to blow into a breath test device without difficulty?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you NOT have severe long-term health conditions (e.g., severe lung, kidney, or liver disease, serious diabetes, or cancer)?
Have you NOT consumed alcohol in the last 12 hours?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to provide a breath sample by breathing into a special machine. This is a simple, non-invasive process. The study doesn't involve any medication. You will also be asked some questions about your health and symptoms. The exact number of visits or the total duration of your participation isn't specified, but it's likely to be a single short visit for the breath sample and information collection. There won't be any long-term follow-up for this part of the study.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is contributing to important research that could lead to faster and more comfortable ways to diagnose breathing infections in the future. There are very few risks involved; providing a breath sample is generally safe and non-invasive. You might experience minor discomfort from breathing into the device, similar to blowing into a balloon. It's important to remember that you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Emergency department (Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon) Lyon (France) 69004
Verified postcode
Lyon, France
Maison de Santé Pluriprofessionnelle Universitaire (Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon)
Verified postcode
Lyon, France
National reference center for respiratory viruses (Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon)
Verified postcode
Lyon, France

Common questions

What is a 'volatile organic compound' (VOC)?

VOCs are tiny chemicals released into the air when you breathe out. They're like a 'scent' or 'fingerprint' of your body's health.

Is the breath test painful or uncomfortable?

No, the breath test involves simply breathing into a machine, similar to blowing into a tube. It's a non-invasive and generally comfortable process.

Will I get my test results back?

This study is for research purposes to find new diagnostic methods. You will not receive individual test results from the breath analysis.

What happens to my breath sample?

Your breath sample will be analysed by special machines to identify the chemicals present. This information helps researchers understand how infections change breath patterns.

Do I have to stop my regular medication to join?

No, this study does not involve changes to your medication. It is only looking at breath samples.

How to find out more

Alexandre GAYMARD, MD

alexandre.gaymard@chu-lyon.fr 4 72 07 10 53 Official trial record

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