Gastro-Acet®
¹³C-sodium acetate breath test
This ¹³C-sodium acetate breath test measures the gastric emptying rate at which liquid stomach contents pass into the small intestine. The effectiveness and commercial potential of this test are being evaluated and EMA approval is being sought.
The test is made available for clinical research, and INFAI welcomes inquiries from researchers and physicians interested in using the test.
Indication for Gastro-Acet
Gastro-Acet is a ¹³C sodium acetate breath test to measure the gastric emptying rate at which liquid stomach contents enter the small intestine. Stomach motility is affected by a number of clinical conditions, including diabetes, non-ulcer dyspepsia, GERD and some post-operative conditions. Recent developments of drugs that affect gastric motility have led to renewed interest in this topic.
The reliability of the ¹³C sodium acetate breath test in clinical research and as a routine test is currently being investigated by INFAI. The test is made available for clinical research, and INFAI welcomes inquiries from researchers and physicians interested in using the test.
Test principle and test performance of Gastro-Acet
Orally ingested ¹³C sodium acetate passes through the stomach and is absorbed in the small intestine. There it is assimilated and rapidly metabolized to carbon dioxide via liver, which is transported in the blood to the lungs and excreted there in the breath. The gastric emptying rate thus correlates closely with the appearance of ¹³CO₂ in the exhaled air. Sodium acetate is present as a natural metabolite in the human body in significant amounts, so that no side effects are to be expected. It can be taken with milk, coffee or tea.
