Sodium bicarbonate-13C is primarily used as a stable isotope-labeled compound in various scientific research and diagnostic applications. It serves as a tracer in metabolic studies, allowing researchers to track and analyze carbon pathways in biological systems. This is particularly useful in understanding processes like cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and enzyme activity. In medical diagnostics, it is employed in breath tests to detect conditions such as Helicobacter pylori infections, where the labeled carbon is metabolized and detected in exhaled carbon dioxide. Additionally, it plays a role in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, aiding in the structural analysis of complex molecules by providing a carbon-13 reference. Its applications are critical in advancing both biochemical research and clinical diagnostics.