Abstract: A breath test and a breath test method for diagnosing abnormal gastric emptying using a 13C labeled breath test meal by identifying the time of maximum excretion of 13CO2 in the breath samples. The test and test method include supplying a subject with the breath test meal, collecting a breath sample of the subject at a plurality of time points after the subject consumes the meal, generating measurements of 13CO2 excretion from the breath samples, identifying a time Tmax at which 13CO2 excretion is maximal, comparing Tmax to a cut-off value. The subject may be diagnosed as having delayed gastric emptying if Tmax is greater than the Tmax cut-off value.

Abstract: A gastric emptying breath test method that includes collecting a breath sample of the subject at only a single time point after the subject consumes the breath test meal, wherein the single time point is a time point selected from within an identified time window.

Abstract: The present invention can be described as an apparatus and cartridge for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid. The invention can also be described as a method of detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid using the apparatus and cartridge. The method comprises the steps of clamping a sensor cartridge into a cartridge receiver of the apparatus, providing fluid to a fluid flow-path of the cartridge, illuminating at least a portion of a sensor, and using a photodetector to detect a change in the optical property of the sensor, wherein the change is caused by the presence or absence of an analyte in the fluid.

Abstract: A gastric emptying breath test method that includes collecting a breath sample of the subject at only a single time point after the subject consumes the breath test meal, wherein the single time point is a time point selected from within an identified time window.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for assessing an overall digestive health of a patient are provided, which include administering a breath test that uses a label incorporated into proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and further incorporating the labeled material into a meal which, when cooked, facilitates the binding of the label material to the solid phase matrix of the meal. Methods for assessing digestive functions of a patient are also provided, which includes concurrently administering a breath test and a scintigraphy test that measure gastric emptying in a stomach.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A standardized, lyophilized edible food containing a biologically safe stable marker for use in the measurement of gastric emptying by the quantification of marker excreted in the breath of the patient.

Abstract: A standardized, edible food containing a label for use in the measurement of gastric emptying by the quantification of marker excreted in the breath of the patient and methods of making the same using fluid bed granulation processing.

Abstract: A standardized, lyophilized edible food containing a biologically safe stable marker for use in the measurement of gastric emptying by the quantification of marker excreted in the breath of the patient.

Abstract: A standardized, lyophilized edible food containing a biologically safe stable marker for use in the measurement of gastric emptying by the quantification of marker excreted in the breath of the patient.

Abstract: Methods for assessing an overall digestive health of a patient are provided, which include administering a breath test that uses a label incorporated into proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and further incorporating the labeled material into a meal which, when cooked, facilitates the binding of the label material to the solid phase matrix of the meal. Methods for assessing digestive functions of a patient are also provided, which includes concurrently administering a breath test and a scintigraphy test that measure gastric emptying in a stomach.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing uniform carbon-13 labeled biomass using a water soluble carbon-13 labeled carbon source, such as a [13C]-bicarbonate or [13C]-carbonate salt, is disclosed. The biomass is prepared in one or more sterile carboys filled with growth medium, in which acidity, oxygen, and biomass density are carefully monitored and maintained. By using a solid, water-soluble [13C]-bicarbonate or [13C]-carbonate salt as the sole carbon source, a biomass is provided which is uniformly and efficiently labeled with carbon-13. This method and apparatus is particularly useful for the growth of an edible carbon-13 labeled algal mass, with Spirulina platensis being a specific alga species. The biomass may be prepared in conformance with FDA current good manufacturing practice regulations, and may be harvested and formed into lyophilized bulk drug powder which may be further processed into various drug product forms which are useful for diagnostic tests or in pharmaceutical compositions.