Simultaneous real-time detection of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and end-tidal carbon dioxide by quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

The simultaneous detection of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) is of great importance for the distinguishing and diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), providing more comprehensive information on respiratory disorders. This work demonstrates a simultaneous ETCO₂ and FeNO detection system based on quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS) technology was presented. The system employs wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) technology and the Herriott multi-pass cell, achieving a detection limit of 2.82 ppb for nitric oxide (NO) and 0.05 % for carbon dioxide (CO₂). Real-time exhalation measurements were performed on volunteers with varying ETCO₂ and FeNO levels, and the results of the test can accurately distinguish whether the corresponding volunteer was healthy, had asthma or COPD. The effect of exhalation flow rate on the concentration of the two gases was explored. A range of expiratory flow rates were tested in the flow rate interval from 1 to 4 L/min, and there was always an inverse relationship between expiratory flow rate and FeNO concentration, but flow rate changes did not affect ETCO₂ concentration. The results indicate that this detection system can simultaneously and effectively measure ETCO₂ and FeNO concentrations in real-time.

Keywords: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide detection; Quantum cascade laser; Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy; Wavelength modulation spectroscopy.