Ex vivo detection of recreational consumed nitrous oxide in exhaled breath
article
The increasing use of recreational nitrous oxide (N2O) in the Netherlands and its link to traffic accidents highlights the need for reliable detection methods for law enforcement. This study focused on ex vivo detection of N2O in exhaled breath and examining its persistence in the human body. Firstly, a low-cost portable infrared based detector was selected and validated to detect N2O in air. Then, the influence of interferents and conditions potentially influencing the analysis were evaluated including relative humidity, ethanol, acetaldehyde and CO2.
Subsequently, N2O breathing dynamics were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. Initially, a lung simulator was used to model respiratory mechanics and N2O decay, revealing detectable N2O levels up to 90 min after exposure. In the final part of this study, a controlled single and double dose of N2O gas was administered to 24 volunteers in an operating theatre. The presence of N2O in exhaled breath of the volunteers was analysed using infra red spectroscopy every 12-15 min. Our results show that N2O was detectable in exhaled breath for a minimum of 60 min post-administration and revealed a window of detection to potentially measure N2O for law enforcement and forensic purposes.
Subsequently, N2O breathing dynamics were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. Initially, a lung simulator was used to model respiratory mechanics and N2O decay, revealing detectable N2O levels up to 90 min after exposure. In the final part of this study, a controlled single and double dose of N2O gas was administered to 24 volunteers in an operating theatre. The presence of N2O in exhaled breath of the volunteers was analysed using infra red spectroscopy every 12-15 min. Our results show that N2O was detectable in exhaled breath for a minimum of 60 min post-administration and revealed a window of detection to potentially measure N2O for law enforcement and forensic purposes.
Topics
TNO Identifier
1005429
Source
Scientific Reports
Article nr.
2901