Graham Timmins, PhD, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico, has patented a rapid diagnostic breath test for pneumonia and tuberculosis.
A researcher and associate professor at the University of New Mexico who holds seven patents that involve technology to quickly diagnose tuberculosis and other lung diseases has patented a rapid diagnostic breath test for TB and pneumonia. Graham Timmins, PhD, at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said the rapid breath-test technology uses ureases, enzymes expressed by many bacteria.
“If you look at serious lung pathogens,” Timmins said in a news release, “most of them have it.”
In his work, Timmins uses stable isotope-related composites and free radical biology for a better diagnosis and treatment of some common and generally fatal conditions.
Patients inhale the stable isotope-labeled tracer compound through an inhaler or a nebulizer. The technology is able to fill the patient’s entire lung and, upon exhalation, identify areas of lung infection, all within minutes, the inventor said.
“You can screen for tuberculosis,” Timmins said. “You can see if somebody’s got pneumonia. You might be able to see the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia.”
