Experiencing unexplained itching, digestive discomfort, or wanting a sensitive assessment of how well your liver is processing waste and maintaining bile flow?
The Bile Acids (Serum) test measures substances made by the liver that help digest fats. High levels in the blood can mean the liver or bile flow isn’t working properly, which can affect digestion and overall health.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
Think of bile acids as your liver's specialized cleaning crew that helps break down fats from your food. Your liver creates these powerful compounds from cholesterol and sends them on a carefully choreographed journey - they travel to your intestines to help digest fats, then return home to your liver to be recycled and used again. It's like having an efficient delivery service running between your liver and digestive system all day long.
The Bile Acids Serum test acts as an early warning system for your liver health by measuring how well this recycling process is working. When your liver is struggling or bile ducts are blocked, these acids start backing up in your bloodstream like traffic in a tunnel, and this test can spot the problem often before standard liver tests show anything unusual. This makes it incredibly valuable for catching liver issues early, especially if you're experiencing unexplained itching, digestive troubles, fatigue, or have a family history of liver problems - giving you and your healthcare provider a head start on protecting one of your body's most important organs.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
You may benefit from the Bile Acids (Serum) Test
Essential for individuals with suspected liver dysfunction, unexplained itching, digestive problems, known liver disease, or anyone needing sensitive liver function assessment.
Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
Pain that worsens after eating
Fatty or oily stools that float
Chronic bloating after meals
How to prepare
Fasting for 8-12 hours is typically required for accurate results. Take sample before 10am when possible. Inform healthcare provider of all medications, particularly those affecting liver function or bile acid metabolism.
Understanding results
Results show bile acid levels compared to normal ranges. Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct problems, or cholestatic liver disease requiring further evaluation and treatment.
After the test
Address elevated bile acids through comprehensive liver evaluation, treatment of underlying liver conditions, bile acid sequestrants if appropriate, and lifestyle modifications. Work with hepatologists or gastroenterologists for specialized care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elevated bile acids typically indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or problems with bile acid metabolism, often detecting liver problems before standard liver tests become abnormal.
Bile acids reflect the liver's synthetic and excretory functions more sensitively than enzymes, often becoming elevated in early liver disease when other tests are still normal.
Conditions include primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and bile duct obstruction.
Yes, many medications can affect bile acid levels, including some antibiotics, hormones, cholesterol medications, and drugs that cause liver toxicity or cholestasis.
Cholestasis is a condition where bile flow is reduced or stopped, leading to bile acid accumulation in the blood and often causing itching, jaundice, and other symptoms.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include treating liver disease, bile acid sequestrants for symptom relief, and addressing specific conditions causing bile acid elevation.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
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