Bile Acid Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Results [2024]

Table of Content

Introduction to Bile Acid Test

Bile acid is a digestive enzyme produced by the liver. It plays a crucial role in breaking down fats and cholesterol and making it easier for your body to absorb. The bile acid test determines your liver health and measures the total bile acid levels in your blood. The abnormal bile acid levels indicate liver damage, cirrhosis, hepatitis, cholestasis, and other liver-related conditions. The high bile acid production can be due to liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct blockage, or other medications.

 If you are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain, and vomiting, this might be due to liver issues. Instead of ignoring the symptoms, consult your doctor to discuss the symptoms and take a Bile acid test. Early tracking of the liver condition can help control the progression of liver disease and aid in the early diagnosis and proper management of liver health.

 If your doctor has recommended the bile acid lab test, choose Redcliffe Labs for affordable and convenient services. You need to call us, or you can book your appointment online in 1 minute with the Redcliffe Labs app. The phlebotomist will come to your location for sample collection. With NABL accreditation and ISO certification, we ensure we provide reliable test results on time. So why are you still waiting? Book your bile acid test today!

Bile Acid Test details in brief

Purpose of the Bile acid test 

Here is the primary purpose of the bile acid lab test-

• Assess liver function

The test measures the bile acid level in your blood and helps to determine if your liver is working fine.

• Identify liver damage

High bile acid levels indicate liver injury or disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer. The test detects liver problems even before symptoms appear.

• Evaluate bile flow

The test checks whether bile flows freely through your liver and biliary system. 

• Monitor treatment

Bile acid tests can be used to track the effectiveness of treatment for certain liver conditions. 

• Diagnose pregnancy complications

 Bile acid tests in pregnancy help diagnose intrahepatic cholestasis (ICP), which can cause complications for the mother and the baby.

• Assess Risk factors

People with a family history of liver disease or those taking medicines that may affect the liver must take the test as a preventive test. The S bile acid test allows us to identify the problems early and allow time for proactive management. 

Preparation for the Bile Acid test

Before going for the serum bile acid test, there are certain things you must keep in mind. These are-

• Fasting- The test does not require fasting, so that you can eat and drink as usual
• Medications- If you take any medications, discuss them with your doctors, as some medicines might affect your test results.
• Stay hydrated- You can drink water before the test. Drink enough water to stay hydrated. 
• Consultation- If you have any questions or concerns about the S bile acid test or its preparation, don't hesitate to consult your doctor.

The procedure of the Bile Acid test

The bile test is a simple blood test. You need to book your appointment online, and the phlebotomist will come to your place to collect the samples. Here is the step-by-step procedure for the serum bile acid test-

• The phlebotomist will clean the arm area with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. After that, he will apply a tourniquet to your arm to make the veins clearer.
• Next, using a sterile needle, the healthcare professional will carefully insert a needle into your vein. You might feel a slight pain or discomfort during this step.

• Once the sample collection is done, the phlebotomist will remove the needle and apply gentle pressure to the puncture site with a cotton ball or gauze pad to stop any bleeding. 
• The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The bile acid test reports will be available within 36 hours of blood sample collection. 

What do the Bile Acid test reports indicate?

The bile acid test measures the bile acid in the blood. The test reports will show the following results-

Total Serum Bile Acids

• Normal range- The bile acid normal range is between 2 to 5 mg/dL. A normal result highlights the normal bile acid production and functioning of your liver.
• High Level- Higher than normal bile acid levels can indicate cholestasis due to gallstones, bile duct blockage, or certain medications—liver damage from conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease.

If you notice symptoms like fatigue, nausea, jaundice, or abdominal pain, consult your doctor. They will consider all the above factors to determine the underlying cause of abnormal bile acid levels, if any. They will then discuss the results with you, explain their interpretation, and recommend the treatment plan and best guidance.

What are the risks associated with the bile acid test?

The bile acid lab test is safe and has no or minimal risk. Here is what could be the risks- 

• Minor Discomfort
• Bruising or tenderness
• Risk of infection
• Fainting
• Excessive bleeding
• Multiple puncture sites
• Hematoma

Who should take the Bile Acid test?

Certain people must take the serum bile test. These are

• People with symptoms of liver diseases like fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and Jaundice. 
• People with a risk of liver disease like cirrhosis, hepatitis, Fatty liver diseases
• People who smoke and drink
• Having family history
• Obesity
• People who take certain medicines
• Pregnant Women 

If you fall under the above category or have symptoms, consult your medical professional and take the bile acid test.

What are the common symptoms related to liver diseases?

Liver disease can often be misunderstood as other diseases because the symptoms can mimic other diseases. But if you persistently notice the symptoms, don't delay getting a test. Your doctor might suggest the bile acid total test if you are experiencing the symptoms below- 

• Fatigue and malaise
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Jaundice
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Swelling of legs and ankles
• Anemia or low red blood cells
• Drug toxicity
• Fever and chills

The presence of any of these symptoms does not confirm you have liver disease. These symptoms might be due to other conditions. However, if you experience any of them, consult your doctor for proper analysis. 

Bile Acid Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The Bile acid test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 1500. You can book your test with the Redcliffe Labs app in 1 minute. The blood sample can be collected within 2 hours with our express slots. Our prices are highly affordable and competitive, so you need not worry about your budget. With us, you don't need to stand in long queues; book your appointment, and our phlebotomist will come to our place to collect the sample. Our labs are NABL accredited, which ensures we adhere to quality standards and reliability in testing procedures. So don't wait for symptoms to appear; book your bile acid test today!

Bile Acid Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Bile Acid Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of services in your area.

Should You Get a Bile Acid Test? 

The bile serum test, also known as a Total bile acid test, analyzes the level of bile acids in the blood. Bile acid, produced by the liver, is crucial for fat digestion and absorption. Abnormal bile acid levels can indicate liver dysfunction, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cholestasis. The test helps monitor the effectiveness of treatment for existing liver conditions. Your doctor might recommend the Serum bile acid test if you notice symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and sudden weight loss. The high bile acid production can be due to liver disease like hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct blockage, or other medications. You can take a bile acid lab test from Redcliffe Labs. If you have any concerns about your liver health, discuss this test with your doctor to determine if it's right. Early detection is key for managing liver health and maintaining overall well-being.