[Reliability study on the infrared spectrometry for measuring the delta over baseline for breath 13C].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity and reliability of the infrared spectrometry for measuring the delta over baseline for breath 13C.

METHOD: Twenty-four healthy adults were selected, including twelve males and twelve females. 13C-Leucine was used as tracer in stable isotope metabolic experiments. One baseline breath was collected before the tracer protocol began. Other breath samples were collected at 60, 120, 180, 195, 210, 225, 240, 255, 270 and 300 min post-tracer challenge. The delta over baseline for breath 13C was measured by the infrared spectrometry and Heliview 13C breath analyzer.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the infrared spectrometry and Heliview 13C breath analyzer in measuring the delta over baseline for breath 13C. The F value and p value of two-way ANOVA were 0.29 and 0.5874 respectively. The t and p value of consistency test were 0.48 and 0.6346 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The 13C infrared spectrometry can reliably measure the delta over baseline for breath 13C.