We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Rapid Diagnostic Technology Utilizes Breath Samples to Detect Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Sep 2025

Respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are leading causes of illness and death worldwide, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. More...

Pneumonia, the most common LRTI, is the leading infectious cause of death in children under five, claiming the lives of over 700,000 children each year globally. In adults, LRTIs account for 2.5 million deaths annually, millions of hospitalizations, and significant healthcare costs.

Contributing to the rise of antibiotic resistance, broad-spectrum antibiotics are often prescribed without a clear diagnosis. The lack of rapid, accurate diagnostics exacerbates this issue, making it difficult to tailor treatments effectively and leading to overuse of antibiotics. Now, a noninvasive diagnostic platform aims to evaluate whether exhaled breath can diagnose LRTIs in high-risk populations within critical care environments, including intubated patients with mechanical ventilation.

Zeteo Tech’s (Arlington, VA, USA) novel technology aims to expedite the diagnosis of LRTIs and guide treatment strategies by employing a highly multiplexed, cost-effective MALDI-MS assay to differentiate active infection from colonization, assess antibiotic susceptibility, and distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. By leveraging these findings, physicians may be able to minimize unnecessary antibiotic administration and facilitate more effective treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X, Boston, MA, USA) has awarded Zeteo Tech USD 1 million to execute a work plan for its noninvasive diagnostic platform. CARB-X funding for this project will explore utilizing breath samples from children as viable alternatives to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or sputum collection, thereby making the sample collection less invasive than traditional methods.

“Diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections rapidly and accurately remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in critical care settings,” said Erin Duffy, PhD, R&D Chief of CARB-X. “This project will evaluate the possibility of using exhaled breath as a noninvasive sample type — an approach that could reduce reliance on more invasive procedures. We look forward to seeing how Zeteo’s technology performs in early-stage development and what insights it may bring to inform improved patient outcomes.”

Related Links:
Zeteo Tech
CARB-X


New
Gold Member
Hybrid Pipette
SWITCH
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Human Estradiol Assay
Human Estradiol CLIA Kit
Pipette
Accumax Smart Series
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.