[Stable isotope diagnostics in Russia; results and prospects, 13C-preparations, instruments, methods]

The basis of the highly effective method for diagnostics of many dangerous diseases with the use of breathing tests and stable 13C isotope-labeled preparations has been developed in Russia during the past years. The technology for manufacturing 13C-preparations using domestically produced starting materials satisfies the requirements for isotopes in this and many foreign countries. New instruments for respiratory tests and diagnostic methods make it possible to carry out diagnostics in large populations including that in the course of regular medical examination. This paper reports high efficacy of 13C-based breath tests for diagnostics of gastrointestinal disorders, possibilities and prospects for their further application in oncology, endocrinology, pulmonology, neurology, cardiology, surgery, etc. Special attention is given to the use of 13C-magnetic resonance techniques for visualization of tumours and blood vessels, studies of metabolic processes and energy balance in man and animals with the use of 13C-biomarkers. The main advantages of these new diagnostic approaches are high accuracy, safety (for both patients and personnel), simplicity, and possibility of application in different fields of medicine.