Apparatus for simultaneous detection of amines and thiols

1. An apparatus for the simultaneous detection of amines and thiols, the apparatus comprising a thiol-detection reagent and an amine-detection reagent immobilized onto one or a plurality of pad matrices, wherein the amine-detection reagent comprises phthaldialdehyde (OPA) or fluorescamine, and wherein the one or a plurality of pad matrices is affixed to a plastic backing.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the thiol-detection reagent and the amine-detection reagent are immobilized onto a plurality of pad matrices.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the thiol-detection reagent and the amine-detection reagent are immobilized onto one pad matrix.

4. An apparatus according claim 1 , wherein the thiol-detection reagent comprises DTNB.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 , for direct in situ contact with a fluid sample.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 , in the form of a test strip.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 , for contact with a fluid sample that has been collected by a second apparatus.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 , in the form of a test strip.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the thiol-detection reagent and the amine-detection reagent are immobilized onto a plurality of pad matrices.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the thiol-detection reagent is immobilized onto a first pad matrix and the amine-detection reagent is immobilized onto a second pad matrix, and wherein the first pad matrix and the second pad matrix may be simultaneously contacted with the second apparatus.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the first pad matrix and the second pad matrix may be simultaneously contacted with the second apparatus through opposition.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 , for the detection of halitosis.

13. A process for detection and/or monitoring of a physiological, pathophysiological and/or environmental condition characterized by a fluctuation in concentration of amines and/or thiols, the process comprising obtaining a sample from a locus believed to be representative of the physiological, pathophysiological and/or environmental condition and contacting the sample with an apparatus for the detection of amines and thiols, the apparatus comprising a thiol-detection reagent and an amine-detection reagent immobilized onto one or a plurality of pad matrices, wherein the amine-detection reagent comprises phthaldialdehyde (OPA) or fluorescamine.

14. A process according to claim 13 , wherein the obtaining is performed by collection onto an apparatus that is distinct from the apparatus comprising the thiol-detection reagent and the amine-detection reagent.

15. A process according to claim 13 , wherein the obtaining is performed by collection onto the apparatus comprising the thiol-detection reagent and the amine-detection reagent.

16. A process according to claim 13 , wherein the condition is halitosis.