Update on diagnostic value of breath test in gastrointestinal and liver diseases

Table 1 List of breath tests available for clinical utilization

Indications

Tests for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Glucose hydrogen breath test

Lactulose hydrogen breath test

13C-glycocholate breath test

13C-xylose breath test

Tests for carbohydrate malabsorption

Fructose hydrogen breath test

Lactose hydrogen breath test

Saccharose hydrogen breath test

13C-lactose breath test

13C-fructose breath test

13C-saccharose breath test

Methane breath test

Tests for Helicobacter pylori infection

13C-urea breath test

14C-urea breath test

Tests for the evaluation of gastric emptying

13C-octanoic acid breath test

Tests for the evaluation of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

13C-mixed triglycerides breath test

13C-starch breath test

13C-egg protein breath test

Tests for the evaluation of hepatocellular function

13C-aminopyrine breath test

13C-ethacetin breath test

UBT: Urea breath test; 14C: 14 carbon; 13C: 13 carbon.