Rapid screening for infectious diseases

Abstract

The present invention provides a device and process that rapidly assesses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in a gaseous state by reading gas emitted through a subject's skin into the ambient surroundings. The device delivers rapid high-sensitivity capture, classification and pattern recognition to identify a unique VOC profile derived from that bio-sample. A flexible probe module can be appropriately configured with attachments to collect gases from the air surrounding any person, any area enclosed or proximal to a potential VOC source, and/or in clinical applications, near any skin surface, from zones or areas within or immediate adjacent to a body orifice such as nasal passage, otic canal, mouth, armpit, vagina, urethra, navel, anus, vagina, scalp, torso, palm, foot, etc. The device thus provides a practical screening device for clearing persons of interest, e.g., in a waiting room, planning to enter a room or building, a client seeking a personal meeting, etc., and/or providing a handyman, health care worker, or other service provider, a means of assurance when entering a place of service.