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Bile acids
Normal Reference Range
0 – 10 µmol/L
Test Information
After being secreted into the intestines from the gall bladder, bile acids act as surfactants, emulsifying lipids to facilitate absorption and digestion. Bile acids are created in the liver by the oxidation of cholesterol. In (obstetric) Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), which affects 1:100 pregnancies in the UK and is more prevalent in twin or triplet pregnancies and is linked to early labour, bile acids often build up. Itch is used to identify ICP in cases where there is no other known reason (such as a skin condition).
• High levels of bile salts and/or liver enzymes in your blood that are unrelated to any other liver conditions.
Pruritis, tiredness, and jaundice are signs of impaired bile salt secretion from the bile ducts caused by high levels of progesterone and oestrogen.
Clinical Indications
In the third trimester of pregnancy, there may be intense scratching (pruritis—especially on the hands and feet), depression, appetite loss, pale stools or dark urine, and weariness.
Sample Required
5mL serum sample blood tube is required for BHCG blood test
Min. sample volume
0.5mL
Special Instructions and Precautions
Not applicable
Time Limits For Retrospective Testing
2 days
Any factors affecting the test
Not applicable
Turnaround Time
4 hrs
Referral centre (if applicable)
Not applicable
Test Code
BILA