Portable Collection Devices for the Study of Exhaled Breath Condensate

The RTube™ breath condensate collection device is designed for ease of use even by the unsupervised patient in the home, workplace, laboratory, hospital, or clinic. This non-invasive handheld device is fully self-contained and disposable. As the subject breathes normally into the device, the RTube gathers breath condensate in a transportable/mailable cartridge.

This unique feature allows for easy integration of the RTube into existing studies and allows large amounts of EBC data to be collected with ease from subjects in the clinic, hospital, home, workplace, school, or any other reasonable environment. The simplicity and environmental flexibility of this collector offers the potential for rapid development of clinical diagnostics utilizing EBC pH and other biomarkers.

Product Features

• Reproducible, reliable results in over 40,000 collections
• Sealable condensation tube is easily shipped in the mail for centralized sample analysis
• No centrifuge needed! Syringe-style plunger action sweeps even the tiniest drops of condensate from the condensation tube walls into a single fluid pool for easy analysis
• Large "Tee" section separates saliva from the exhaled breath and prevents it from entering the condensation tube
• Custom duckbill valve/nozzle enhances condensation efficiency and produces high condensate volumes
• Disposable design ensures a clean device ready for use at any time. No cleaning!
• Single-use design eliminates any opportunity for infectious cross-contamination
• Simple handheld device is easy to use by the unsupervised subject at home

Our special valve assembly is the key to efficient sample collection and allows unsupervised subjects to easily gather and store contaminant-free samples. Typical condensate fluid yield is 100 microliters/minute for a child and 200 microliters/minute for an adult at normal tidal breathing effort.

The unique one-way valve provides maximal particle impaction on the condensing surface and also acts as a plunger . The ability to pool the sample near the upper end of the tube allows for maximum sample recovery in seconds.

The RTube collection system utilize inert, FDA-approved polypropylene material for minimal water absorption. The blue one-way valve is crafted from FDA-approved silicone rubber. End caps made of medical grade vinyl seal the sample for long-term storage. A label is also provided allowing the researcher/subject to record the name and date of collection. Each RTube is assembled and cleaned to exacting specifications, placed in an individual sealed pouch, and bulk packaged for delivery to you. For your convenience, we offer several Specialty Kits designed to fit the most common needs of our customers. Let us help you select the RTube Specialty Kit that best fits your needs.

Cooling Sleeve

The cooling sleeve is necessary for efficient condensate collection. Usually stored in a laboratory freezer until needed, the sleeve is designed to easily slide over the RTube and create the perfect environment for condensate collection. An Insulating Cover is included with every Cooling Sleeve.

Our high quality cooling sleeves are cold-worked from solid aluminum and have been designed for repeated use under the harshest freeze/thaw conditions.

Standard Plunger

Made of solid aluminum, this is a stand alone device that is necessary to utilize the syringe style plunging built into the RTube. The one way valve easily slides along the polypropylene walls and pools the sample near the top of the tube for easy removal.