Bile Acids

The bile acid test is an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating liver function and identifying liver-related disorders. Bile acids, produced by the liver from cholesterol, are crucial for fat digestion. The test primarily assesses the liver's ability to recycle these acids, a key indicator of liver health. It involves collecting a blood sample after an 8 to 12-hour fasting period to ensure accurate baseline measurements. Elevated fasting levels of bile acids can indicate impaired liver function, often seen in conditions like hepatitis, liver sclerosis, and liver cancer. The test is also useful in diagnosing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and assessing hepatic dysfunction due to environmental or chemical injuries. While it provides valuable insights into liver health, it cannot differentiate between specific liver diseases. The bile acid test is a non-invasive, practical tool in routine liver function assessments, aiding in the early detection and management of liver disorders.

Price of test:£46

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £46

Awaiting result:

One day

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

The bile acid test is a vital diagnostic tool for assessing liver function and detecting liver-related disorders. It evaluates the liver's ability to recycle bile acids, crucial for digestion. Here's a concise overview:

- Purpose: Assesses liver function, identifies liver diseases.
- Procedure: Blood sample after 8-12 hours fasting.
- Interpretation: Low fasting bile acids indicate healthy liver; high levels suggest liver disease.
- Indications:
- Liver disease evaluation
- Cholestasis diagnosis
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Chronic hepatitis C treatment
- Considerations:
- Patient fasting
- Proper specimen handling
- Limitations: Not for differentiating liver diseases; fasting required for accuracy.

This test is essential for early liver disorder detection and management.

Who Should Get Tested

The bile acid test is essential for evaluating liver function and detecting liver-related disorders. It measures total bile acids in the serum, offering insights into liver health. Key indications for the test include:

- Liver Disease Evaluation: Detects acute and chronic hepatitis, liver sclerosis, and cancer.
- Cholestasis Diagnosis: Identifies intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy.
- Hepatic Dysfunction: Assesses damage from chemical and environmental injuries.
- Chronic Hepatitis C Treatment: Monitors improvement with interferon therapy.

Patients must fast for accurate results, except infants and pregnant women. The test is crucial for early liver disorder detection.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results is essential for interpreting the bile acid test, a key diagnostic tool for liver function. Here's a brief overview:

- Purpose: Evaluates liver function and detects liver diseases by measuring serum bile acid levels.
- Procedure: Involves fasting for 8-12 hours, followed by blood sample collection.
- Interpretation: Low fasting bile acid levels indicate healthy liver function; elevated levels suggest liver impairment.
- Indications: Useful for diagnosing liver diseases, cholestasis in pregnancy, and monitoring chronic hepatitis C treatment.
- Considerations: Requires fasting, proper specimen handling, and contextual clinical evaluation.

Price of test:£46

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £46

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

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