Bile Acid Total, Serum

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding Bile Acid Total, Serum

What is Bile Acid Total, Serum?

The bile acid total, serum test is used to evaluate the normal functioning of the liver. Bile acids help in the absorption of food during digestion. These are synthesized in the liver and are secreted in the intestine to break down the fat of the ingested food. This test is a part of preventive health screening for liver disease.

The bile acid test is a reliable marker to diagnose hepatobiliary diseases such as acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver sclerosis, and liver cancer.

Elevated levels of bile acid total could be due to the inability of the liver to extract bile acids from the blood. It could also be a result of a liver cancer, cirrhosis, and dysfunction of the liver due to some injury.

What is Bile Acid Total, Serum used for?

The bile acid, total test is done to diagnose hepatobiliary diseases such as acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver sclerosis, liver cancer, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

What does Bile Acid Total, Serum measure?

The bile acid, total test measures the levels of bile acid, total in the blood. Total bile acids are metabolized in the liver and hence they can be used for evaluating the normal functioning of liver.

The cause of elevated levels of bile acid, total is due to the inability of the liver to extract bile acids from the portal blood. Rise in levels of bile acid, total can be observed in acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver sclerosis, liver cancer, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

In case of obstetric cholestasis, the diagnosis is confirmed if the bile acid concentrations are greater than 15 μmol/L and there is an absence of any other hepatic disease. In case the bile acid concentrations are greater than 40 μmol/L, it is then associated with increased fetal risk.

Interpreting Bile Acid Total, Serum results

Interpretations

The normal reference range lies in between 0.50 - 10.00 μmol/L*

*Reference range may vary from lab to lab.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bile Acid Total, Serum

Frequently Asked Questions about Bile Acid Total, Serum

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. What is the effect on the levels of bile acid, total after having meals?

The levels of bile acid, total increase slightly in normal individuals while in the patients having liver diseases, the levels of bile acid, total rise more.

Q. What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)?

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a temporary condition which occurs in pregnancy and is caused by maternal liver dysfunction. ICP is characterized by itchiness which begins in the third trimester. The other names of ICP are cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy, cholestatic hepatosis, icterus gravidarum, and obstetric cholestasis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

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