Blow into this tube: a new breath test could spot liver cancer and COVID-19
NCT ID NCT04341012
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study by Mayo Clinic tested whether analyzing chemicals in a person's breath could help diagnose or predict the course of liver disease, liver cancer, and COVID-19. Researchers collected breath samples from 46 participants and looked for unique patterns of volatile organic compounds. The goal was to develop a simple, non-invasive clinical test, but the study was small and focused on building the method, not yet proving it works for routine diagnosis.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- breath sample analysis
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a simple, non-invasive breath test to help diagnose or predict the course of diseases like liver cancer and COVID-19.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study (46 participants) focused on developing the test, not proving it works for diagnosis. The results may not apply to larger or different populations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
46 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2019
- Finished
-
Sep 2021
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Subjects who are undergoing evaluation and obtaining clinical care at Mayo Clinic in Florida will be enrolled
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * None
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Mayo Clinic Florida
Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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