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Liver Health

Bile Acids (Serum) Test

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.

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Bile Acids (Serum) Test

Experiencing unexplained itching, digestive discomfort, or wanting a sensitive assessment of how well your liver is processing waste and maintaining bile flow?

Overview

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

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Upper abdominal pain or discomfort Pain that worsens after eating Fatty or oily stools that float Chronic bloating after meals

Purpose

Essential for individuals with suspected liver dysfunction, unexplained itching, digestive problems, known liver disease, or anyone needing sensitive liver function assessment.

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.
Bile Acids (Serum) Test

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Includes Biomarker:

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How it works

What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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