It is hoped the test may detect cancers

Researchers from Glasgow and Dundee are using their expertise in gas detection to create a reliable programme for respiratory clinics.

Their work has resulted in a Proof of Concept award which will be officially recognised at the Summer Science Exhibition in London next month.

Lung cancer is diagnosed in over 30,000 patients a year in the UK.

'Exhaled breath'

Less than 7% of patients survive for five years due to the lack of early symptoms and late diagnosis.

An effective early screening technique has the potential to significantly increase this survival rate.

Professor Miles Padgett, from the University of Glasgow, said he was excited by the breath-test's potential to detect disease quickly.

He said: "Our project hopes to demonstrate that ultra-sensitive gas detection in exhaled breath can be applied to the wide scale screening programme for diseases such as lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

We want to look into the feasibility of producing an instrument capable of being operated by non-specialist staff Prof Miles Padgett University of Glasgow

"This gas detection technique has been proven in the oil and gas industry but not yet for medical screening.

"We want to look into the feasibility of producing an instrument capable of being operated by non-specialist staff.

"This would enable routine examination of thousands of breath samples and allow this new diagnosis tool to be included as part of the test sequence used by respiratory clinics."

'Screening tool'

Dr Chris Longbottom, of Dundee University's Dental School and Centre for Clinical Innovations, said they hoped to involve doctors and dentists in the project.

He said: "This will help to determine if this technique will be of value as a screening tool for apparently healthy individuals and/or a specific diagnostic tool for patients with symptoms."

The Proof of Concept Fund, launched in 1999, supports leading-edge technologies in Scotland's academic institutions.