A biomarker point-of-care test for rapidly detecting pulmonary infections

The Avisa BreathTest^TM is a biomarker, quantitative, point-of-care test for rapidly detecting pulmonary infections due to certain virulent pathogens without the need to collect and culture sputum or other biological samples.

How does it work?

Urease Converts ¹³C-urea to ¹³C0₂

Based on the presence of the urease enzyme

The Avisa BreathTest^TM is based on the presence of the urease enzyme found in certain bacterial species that cause pneumonia, such as S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella and H. influenzae.

Live urease-containing bacteria can be detected using inhaled ¹³C-urea which is converted by these bacteria to labeled carbon dioxide (¹³C0₂) and ammonia. The non-radioactive, isotopic ratio of ¹³C0₂ to naturally occurring ¹²C0₂ is measured in the exhaled breath of the patient and is akin to an infection thermometer for the lungs.