ReCIVA FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ReCIVA® Breath Sampler CE marked?
Yes.
What sample tubes can be used with ReCIVA?
ReCIVA is designed and calibrated for use with Breath Biopsy® Cartridges. Use of other tubes may affect the volume of breath captured.
Can Breath Biopsy Cartridges be analyzed with standard GC/MS?
Yes, Breath Biopsy Cartridges can be analyzed using GC-MS.
Is there any way to collect less than four samples per patient?
If you want to run less than four samples per patient, please contact us. We can provide you with solid rods to replace the tubes you’re not fitting. You can then configure the software to tell it how many tubes you are using. Note that you need to block both the hole in the mouthpiece and the inlet to ReCIVA.
What is the stability of samples after collection?
Unnecessary storage of samples should be avoided, but current evidence suggests that the effects of delaying analysis are minimized by keeping tubes well sealed and at low temperatures.
For longer term storage we recommend capping tubes using Swagelok tube fittings:
2 x Swagelok ¼” tube fitting brass nuts, part no: B-402-1
2 x Swagelok ¼” tube fitting brass caps, part no: B-400-C
2 x Swagelok ¼” tube fitting PTFE Ferrule Set (1 Front/1 Back), part no: T-400-SET
Note that caps on sorbent tubes should be re-tightened after they have equilibrated with their cold storage conditions, this is particularly important when storing in the freezer.
Can I use different sorbent tubes instead of Breath Biopsy Cartridges?
The ReCIVA Breath Sampler is calibrated for the flow possible through Breath Biopsy Cartridges. The pressure drop through different sorbent tubes may be higher/lower, and this will affect the accuracy of breath collection volumes set in the BSC software. For example, a target flow of 200mL/min with tubes with high flow resistance might only collect at 160mL/min (i.e. 20% lower total breath volume). Please contact us if you want to use a different type of collection tube.
Note that using different sorbents will also affect the range of VOCs sampled, and potentially change the amount of water captured during collection.
I was expecting to find a CD containing software for installation. Why isn’t there one in the box?
Software for the ReCIVA is supplied on a USB drive that is shipped with the ReCIVA unit. If you have not received a USB drive or require the software in a different format for installation please contact us via our support portal.
I need additional head straps for my ReCIVA, can you provide extra ones?
Yes, please contact us via our support portal for details.
Can ReCIVA mouthpieces be re-used?
No. To minimize cross contamination and ensure infection control, neither the default mouthpieces nor the optional masks may be re-used.
Does the CASPER® Portable Air Supply require a gas supply?
The CASPER Portable Air Supply pumps and filters ambient room air so it does not require a separate supply of gas.
How often does the air scrubber incorporated into the CASPER Portable Air Supply need to be replaced?
The scrubber should be replaced once a year (or every 250 hours use whichever comes first).
What is the material/specs of the clear tubing used for the CASPER Portable Air Supply?
The clear tubing is PTFE. Please contact us if you need more information.
Does the CASPER Portable Air Supply include particulate filters?
The CASPER scrubber unit contains a 3-stage filter: 100 micron, 40 micron and HEPA. There is also a final AcroPak filter on the output, which can be purchased from VWR here.
Do you have a video guide to using ReCIVA?
Yes we do! Take a look here:
