Breath sniff test could spot COVID and flu in hospital patients

NCT ID NCT07352462

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether analyzing chemicals in a person's breath can quickly identify serious respiratory infections like COVID-19, flu, and Legionella in hospitalized patients. Researchers will collect breath samples from 777 adults using a simple bag, then analyze them in a lab. The goal is to see if this painless, non-invasive method can accurately tell bacterial from viral infections, potentially speeding up diagnosis and treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) analysis in exhaled breath using GC-MS

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a quick, painless breath test to diagnose serious respiratory infections, helping doctors choose the right treatment faster.

What could go wrong

This is an early observational study, not a treatment trial. The breath test may not be accurate enough to replace current diagnostic methods, and results may vary across different infections.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19 disease influenza legionellosis Legionnaires' disease respiratory tract infectious disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Emergency department (Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon)

    Lyon, 69004, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Infectious Disease Service of Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse (Hospices Civils de Lyon)

    Lyon, 69004, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Intensive Care Unit of Hôpital Lyon Sud (Hospices Civils de Lyon)

    Lyon, 69004, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Intensive Care Unit of Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse (Hospices Civils de Lyon)

    Lyon, 69004, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Internal Medecine Unit of Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse (Hospices Civils de Lyon)

    Lyon, 69004, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • National reference center for respiratory viruses (Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon)

    Lyon, 69004, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Pneumology Unit of Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse (Hospices Civils de Lyon)

    Lyon, 69004, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••