European interlaboratory comparison of breath 13CO2 analysis
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Stable isotope breath tests using 13C substrates were evaluated for gastroenterology and nutrition. Analytical interlaboratory variation was found acceptable, suggesting coordinated European metabolic studies are feasible.
Area Of Science
- Biomedical science
- Analytical chemistry
- Medical diagnostics
Background
- The BIOMED I programme Stable Isotopes in Gastroenterology and Nutrition (SIGN) aimed to standardize stable isotope breath tests.
- These tests utilize 13C-labeled substrates for diagnostic purposes in gastroenterology and nutrition.
Purpose Of The Study
- To evaluate and standardize 13C-labeled stable isotope breath tests.
- To compare different 13C substrates, test meals, conditions, analysis techniques, and calculation procedures.
- To assess interlaboratory variations in analytical techniques for 13CO2 analysis.
Main Methods
- Two ring tests were conducted measuring 13C abundances of carbonate materials.
- Participants used various isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS) with different configurations (dual inlet, continuous flow).
- Certified 13C reference materials and different working standards were employed.
Main Results
- Significant variations in instrumentation, reference materials, and calibration protocols were observed among participants.
- Despite variations, individual participant standard deviations were generally within instrument specifications.
- Overall interlaboratory variation for carbonate samples was 0.25-0.50/1000, with individual variations from 0.02 to 0.14/1000.
Conclusions
- Pure analytical interlaboratory variation for 13CO2 analysis is acceptable, despite diverse instrumentation and protocols.
- Non-instrumental factors, such as sample handling, likely contribute to interlaboratory variation.
- Coordinated metabolic studies involving multiple European laboratories performing 13CO2 analysis are feasible.
View abstract on PubMed