Sensor and sensor assembly for detecting a target gas in a breath sample

Abstract

Sensor and sensor assemblies generally comprises a sensor body having a chamber disposed therein for accommodating a sensor reagent or material. The chamber is defined within the body between optically transparent body portions. The chamber is in gas flow communication with a passage used for passing a collected breath to the sensor material. A liquid or solid sensor material is disposed within the chamber and is designed to change in optical properties upon exposure to a target gas within the collected breath sample by reaction therewith. A gas permeable membrane can be disposed over the chamber opening to retain the sensor material, in the event it is liquid, and to permit the diffusion of gas from the collected breath sample to the sensor material. The sensor assembly is used with a photon source that emits photons, within a selected wavelength band, onto the chamber and sensor material, and a photon collector that is used to receive photons that exit the chamber. The photon source and photon collector can be part of the sensor assembly or can be part of a breath diagnostic assembly, of which the sensor assembly is a removable member. An optical reading means can be used to determine the change or rate of change in the optical properties, e.g., photon adsorption, of the sensor material after it is exposed to the collected breath sample. The measured change in optical properties can then be used with other gathered information, such as carbon dioxide level, to determine the level of target gas within the collected breath sample.