Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Screening in Exhaled Breath via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
This test measures certain chemicals in your breath that may indicate exposure to harmful substances, including potential COVID-19-related metabolic changes.
["A breath test to detect volatile organic compounds, which may signal exposure to toxins or metabolic shifts."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 100342-5
- Short code
- VOCs (volatiles) SARS-CoV-2 ExG Ql GC-MS
- Synonyms
- VOCs (volatiles) SARS-CoV-2 ExG Ql GC-MS
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- gc-ms
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test analyzes exhaled breath for a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). VOCs are small chemical compounds that evaporate easily and can originate from environmental exposures, metabolic processes, or even certain health conditions. This method helps identify specific compounds that may be present in trace amounts in your breath.
Why It’s Done
Breath-based VOC testing may be used to screen for exposure to toxins, metabolic abnormalities, or early signs of certain health conditions, including potential respiratory or systemic responses to illness like COVID-19. It can also assist in environmental or occupational health monitoring.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You’ll exhale into a specialized collection device that captures VOCs in your breath. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to identify and quantify specific chemicals. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised depending on clinical protocols.
What to Expect During the Test
The process is quick and non-invasive. You’ll likely sit quietly while the device collects your breath sample for a few minutes. The results are typically analyzed and reported within a few days.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
VOC screening in exhaled breath can provide insights into environmental exposures, metabolic health, or early disease markers. While not a definitive diagnostic tool for COVID-19, it may complement other tests by identifying chemical signatures associated with respiratory or systemic responses. Results should always be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
VOC Breath Test (Screening)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What does a positive or abnormal result mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy