Avisa BreathTest

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

The Avisa BreathTestTM 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 BreathTestTM 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.