Xylose-1-14C absorption test: the use of urine, serum and breath analysis, and comparison with a colorimetric assay
Roberts, R.K.; Campbell, C.B.; Bryant, S.J.; Adames, L.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine 6(6): 532-536
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-8291 PMID: 1071535 Document Number: 99869
The xylose absorption and excretion test was reassessed in controls and patients with coeliac disease. Xylose was assayed in serum and urine colorimetrically and by liquid scintillation counting using [1-14C]xylose. The excretion of 14CO2 in breath after [1-14C]xylose was measured. Liquid scintillation counting was simple and reliable for the measurement of xylose absorption. Serum xylose, urinary xylose excretion, or breath 14CO2 in isolation were poor screening tests for mucosal disease. The use of serum values and urinary excretion in combination improved the discriminatory value of the test though small intestine biopsy was more reliable.