Bile Acids Total Test | Bile Serum Test

Bile Acids Total Test Overview

The liver produces bile acids, which are enzymes that assist in digestion. They are essential for breaking down lipids and cholesterol so your body can absorb them more easily. The bile acid total test assesses your liver health and measures the amount of bile acids in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate that the liver isn't functioning properly, the bile duct is blocked, or there is another issue. Doctors often recommend this test when patients show signs of liver disease, jaundice, or itching.

If you experience symptoms such as fatigue, dark urine, stomach discomfort, or vomiting, these could indicate an unhealthy liver. It is advisable to consult your doctor, who may prescribe medication after conducting the bile serum test. Early monitoring of liver health can help slow disease progression and facilitate early detection and effective management.

Why is the Bile Acid Total Test Prescribed?

The main reason for this test is to evaluate liver function. Other reasons include:

Assessing Liver Condition

The test measures bile acid levels in your blood to determine if your liver is functioning properly. It is important to keep assessing the overall condition of the liver for good results.

Detecting Liver Damage

High bile acid levels may indicate liver injury or illness, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer. The test can identify liver abnormalities before symptoms appear.

Evaluating Bile Flow

The test helps determine if bile is moving freely through your liver and biliary system. If not, then the doctor would prescribe medication.

Monitoring Treatment

For some liver conditions, bile acid testing can track how well medications are working. If not, the doctor would change the medication.

Components of the Serum Bile Acid Test

Since the serum bile acid test quantifies bile acids in the blood, the result report will typically include:

Total Bile Acids in Serum

• Normal range:2 to 5 mg/dL. A normal result suggests your liver is producing and using bile acids normally.

• High Level:Levels above the normal range indicate cholestasis, which may be caused by gallstones, a blocked bile duct, or certain medications. It can also signal liver damage from hepatitis or fatty liver disease.

Preparation and Requirements

No special preparations are necessary to undergo the bile acid total test. A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein, which will then be analysed.