Respiratory Research is pleased to make available the RTube™ Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) collection system for your clinical investigations of lung diseases. By providing lung inflammation as an outcome variable, the RTube expands the portfolio of clinical research tests you are able to offer to your clients. The RTube was designed for clinical studies, and is optimized for use by clinical research organizations.

Like a syringe is used to collect blood samples, the RTube is used to collect EBC samples. The RTube is non-invasive, painless, portable and disposable. Using the RTube is simple for the subject and research staff, and as safe as playing a clarinet. Even a 4-year-old child can provide sample with ease. All the subject does is breathe. Sample the breath for several minutes, write identifying information on the RTube label, cap the tube and send to the lab. It's that easy.

In recent years, dozens of inflammatory and chemical compounds have been identified in EBC that have helped us to understand lung disease. Many of these compounds can be analyzed with commercially available kits at central clinical research laboratories. Of the multiple compounds collectable with the RTube, measurement of EBC acid levels (by means of a pH test) is the most simple, inexpensive, and reproducible. EBC pH is particularly relevant to many lung diseases. Measurement of EBC pH always supplies solid, analyzable and graphically presentable data. Other compounds are also readily measurable in EBC and change with disease status, including nitrogen oxides, leukotrienes, hydrogen peroxide, and proteins.

Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis, the common cold, and many other diseases have been studied using the RTube Exhaled Breath Condensate collector. Pharmaceutical companies incorporate the RTube into their study designs and have collected thousands of EBC samples with the RTube. Having the RTube in your portfolio of clinical research services will enhance studies and provide you new business opportunities.

Respiratory Research offers to you our assistance, advice, laboratory services, and the RTube Exhaled Breath Condensate collection system. Let us work together to bring this rapidly emerging technology into your organization and position you well to meet the requirements of your clients. Please contact us soon so that we can help you incorporate the RTube into your future clinical research projects.