Sodium octanoate breath test

The 13C-Octanoate Breath Test (OBT) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool developed by Virginia Commonwealth University in collaboration with Meridian Bioscience for the assessment of liver disease severity, specifically nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The test utilizes 13C-labeled sodium octanoate, a medium-chain fatty acid that, upon oral ingestion, is rapidly absorbed and transported to the liver. In the hepatic mitochondria, it undergoes beta-oxidation to produce 13C-labeled carbon dioxide (13CO2), which is then exhaled and measured. By analyzing the rate and amount of 13CO2 recovery, the test provides a functional assessment of hepatic mitochondrial activity, allowing clinicians to differentiate between simple steatosis and NASH.

Other names

13C-Octanoate Breath Test13C-labeled sodium octanoate breath testSodium 13C-octanoate breath testSodium13C-octanoate breath testSodium-13C-octanoate breath test13C-octanoic acid breath test