The original idea and research behind the method comes from Professor Anna-Carin Olin’s research group at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AMM) at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and is based on a completely new method for collecting material from the small airways: particles in exhaled air. A subsequent analysis of the particles makes it possible to easily identify chemical changes in the composition and to identify potential biomarkers for respiratory diseases.

PExA provides lung researchers with a simple and non-invasive method for collection of microscopic particles, potential biomarkers for diseases in the small airways. The method allows scientists to easily access a sample of the fluid layer covering the small airways. The purpose is to facilitate the development of reliable and more individualised diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of respiratory diseases.