Serum Bile Acid Total in Panchkula

Also known as S. Bile Acid Total

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.
For patients undergoing UDCA (Ursodeoxycholic acid or Ursodiol) treatment, the recommended blood sample is before their morning dose.

Understanding Serum Bile Acid Total in Panchkula

What is Serum Bile Acid Total in Panchkula?

A Serum Bile Acid Total test is a specialized test tailored to evaluate liver function and is available at an affordable price in Panchkula with Tata 1mg labs. Bile acids are compounds produced in the liver and are vital for the digestion of food. They play a crucial role in breaking down dietary fats, aiding the body in absorbing essential fat-soluble nutrients and vitamins.

A Serum Bile Acid Total test can be done as a part of routine health checkups, or your doctor may recommend it if you experience symptoms indicative of an unhealthy liver, such as dark urine, nausea, abdominal pain and swelling, clay-colored stool, jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), anemia, and flu-like symptoms like fever and chills.

During pregnancy, women at a higher risk of intrahepatic cholestasis (a severe liver disease that occurs due to the accumulation of bile acids) may also undergo a Serum Bile Acid Total test. Elevated total bile acid levels may result from conditions such as liver cirrhosis, liver dysfunction caused by injury or trauma, or liver cancer. Usually, overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred for this test. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test.

What does Serum Bile Acid Total measure?

A Serum Bile Acid Total test helps determine the amount of bile acid in your blood. It is a type of digestive enzyme produced by the liver cells and plays a role in emulsifying fats and cholesterol from food to facilitate better fat absorption. This test helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of cholestasis and other liver and gallbladder disorders, such as liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. It is also used to monitor the effects of certain medications.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serum Bile Acid Total in Panchkula

Frequently Asked Questions about Serum Bile Acid Total in Panchkula

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. What is the effect on the levels of bile acid after having meals?

Bile acid levels increase slightly in normal individuals, while in patients with liver diseases, the bile acid levels rise more after a meal.

Q. 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 that starts on the hands and feet and spreads to other body parts. The other names of ICP are cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy, cholestatic hepatosis, icterus gravidarum, and obstetric cholestasis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

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