The Caffeine Breath Test and CYP1A2 Activity in Children

Abstract

The caffeine breath test is a non-invasive method of studying CYP1A2 activity that is suitable for children from the ages of 3 years upwards. It involves the oral administration of a stable isotope and the collection of breath samples for a period of 2 hours. Breath samples are analysed by continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry. It has been used to study both drug interactions and the effect of disease on drug metabolism.