Assessment of the impact of collection temperature and sampler design on the measurement of exhaled breath condensate pH in healthy horses.

The research studied the impact of collection temperature and sampler design on exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH levels in horses in order to establish a non-invasive method for assessing their lower airways. The study determined that both factors significantly influenced the EBC pH measurements.

Methodology

• Two different sampling devices and three methods of condensation surface cooling (ethanol slush, dry ice, and water ice) were used for this study.
• Trial runs were performed 30 times with each method on six healthy ponies.
• The pH of the samples collected was measured before and after de-aeration was performed with argon for 10 minutes.

Findings

• It was noted that the design of the sampler had a significant impact on the pH levels detected.
• Samples collected as a liquid showed a noticeably higher pH in comparison to samples that were frozen during collection.
• When the samples underwent de-aeration, the study found the pH levels to be noticeably higher and less variable.

Implications

• This research shows that the design of the device and the temperature of the condensation surface greatly influence EBC pH measurements.
• Due to these influential factors, a direct comparison of results is not possible when different methodologies are used.
• In order to accurately use this non-invasive method in assessing horses’ lower airways, these conditions must be carefully controlled.