Nasal Nitric Oxide Low Levels Detection Using Different Nitric Oxide Analyzers

Abstract

Nasal nitric oxide measurement (nNO) has been proposed as the initial diagnostic study for suspected Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). Devices with chemiluminescence technology are considered the gold standard for this measurement, the main disadvantage being their poor accessibility. There are portable electrochemical technology devices that could be useful for the measurement of nNO. Objective: To estimate concordance in the detection of low levels of nasal nitric oxide using a nitric oxide electrochemical analyzer compared to an analyzer with chemiluminescence technology. Methods: Cross-sectional concordance study, including healthy men and women > 5 years of age and respiratory patients (including patients with DCP). nNO was randomly measured in both chemiluminescence and electrochemical analyzers. Results: 62 subjects. The of agreement between the electrochemical analyzer and the chemiluminescence for detection of low nNO (<77 nL/min) was 98.4% with an index κappa = 0.95. Conclusions: The electrochemical NO analyzer is a good option for the detection of low levels of nNO, so it could be used in the diagnosis of patients with suspected DCP.