How to prepare
This test is ideally performed in a fasting state (at least 4 hours without food) as bile acids rise after meals as part of normal digestion. In pregnant women being investigated for ICP, testing is sometimes performed both fasting and after eating. Follow any specific instructions from your practitioner or the laboratory.
After the test
If you are pregnant, any elevation in bile acids should be discussed with your obstetrician or midwife urgently. Outside of pregnancy, an elevated result should be reviewed by your GP alongside standard liver function tests. Your practitioner will determine whether further investigation including imaging or a liver specialist referral is needed.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Bile acids are measured in micromoles per litre (µmol/L). Fasting reference ranges for non-pregnant adults are typically below 10 µmol/L. In pregnancy, elevated bile acids are interpreted as follows:
- Mild ICP: 10–39 µmol/L
- Moderate ICP: 40–99 µmol/L
- Severe ICP: 100 µmol/L or above
Higher levels are associated with greater risk and are used by obstetricians to guide monitoring and management decisions. Outside of pregnancy, elevated bile acids indicate impaired hepatic uptake or bile flow and warrant further liver investigation.
