13C-spirulina platensis + 99mTc sulfur colloid

This is a combination diagnostic agent used in the Gastric Emptying Breath Test (GEBT) to measure the rate of gastric emptying of solids in patients with suspected gastroparesis. The 13C-Spirulina platensis component is a blue-green algae cultured in >95% 13C enriched medium, resulting in full 13C-labeling of nearly all carbon-containing nutrients. The 99mTc sulfur colloid is a radioactive component used for simultaneous scintigraphic gastric emptying measurement. During the test, 13C-Spirulina particles are bound to a rehydrated, cooked egg meal and travel with the solid phase of the test meal. After the meal exits the stomach, the 13C-label is released during digestion in the upper small intestine, where absorption follows the same pathways as other macronutrients. The 13CO2 produced is measured in breath samples to determine gastric emptying rate.

Other names

GEBT test meal