Bile Acids - Total (Serum) Test

Bile acids help in absorption of food in the process of digestion. These synthesized in the liver, are secreted in the intestine to break down the fat of the ingested food. Most parts of the bile acids are reabsorbed. This keeps a slightly higher level of serum bile acid levels in normal person after having meals, but when the level becomes abnormally high in the blood, the patient is suspected for the improper functioning of the liver, including Wilson disease, portal-vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and cholestasis in pregnant women. Your doctor will advise Serum Bile Acids Test to estimate your medical condition especially liver disorder.

Following the physical examination, the doctor ordered the total serum bile acid test which does not need out of the ordinary homework. The eating and drinking are normal until 12 hours before the test. The test sample is collected under fasting condition. Inform your doctor of your medical history and if any medications are getting along. Any allergy should also be disclosed to the doctor and lab technician which may be an assistance in making decisions for them. The doctor will give any finicky instruction according to your condition. The clinical examination of blood for Bile Acids Total can be done by Radioimmunoassay or the Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase techniques.

Serum total bile acid (TBA) level is the reliable marker of hepatobiliary disease, including deadly cancer, cirrhosis, Icterus etc. The test evaluates the considerable fetal risks in Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Serum bile acids assay determines dysfunction of liver due to injury. The test is ordered to follow the progress of hepatitis C treatment. Gilbert disease is a chronic genetic condition where liver doesn’t process bilirubin. It is a less harming disease when screened with bile acids serum test. The test is basically a help in analyzing. irregular serum bile acid absorptions.

The Total Bile Acid assay in biological fluids is also called NBT test. Bile Acids, Total test needs a blood sample to measure the levels of bile acids in the blood. Approx 5ml blood is drawn with a disinfected needle and syringe. It is transferred to a serum separator tube. The tube is centrifuged to separate serum. The lab technician mixes the serum with sodium pyruvate to study the values. The doctor compares the result with the accepted normal level and then direct the treatment.