The University of Florida scientists said most people have forgotten to take a prescribed drug at one time or another, but for people with AIDS or the human immunodeficiency virus, a skipped pill could present a hazard for the entire population.

The new device, produced in collaboration with Xhale Inc., could help prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains of HIV by monitoring medication adherence in high-risk individuals, said Dr. Richard Melker, a professor of anesthesiology at the UF College of Medicine and chief technology officer for Xhale.

The device records the results of each breath test, allowing patients to bring a memory card or USB key to their physician once a month and receive a printout of their results.

"The doctor can see how often you took (a medication) and exactly what time. If it made the patient really sick or dizzy and they didn't take it, they can find out why," Melker said, adding it's not just a question of whether the medication was consumed, but also when was taken or why it wasn't.