What is Bile Acid Total, Serum?

The bile acid, the total test is a part of preventive health screening for liver diseases. This test evaluates the normal functioning of the liver.

Why is Bile Acid Total, Serum done?

The bile acid, the 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, the 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 the liver.

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

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

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.

What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)?

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a temporary condition that 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.