Biomarkers · Chemical
We have not added a physiological summary for this biomarker yet. Compare the commercial laboratory assays and population reference ranges below.
Check orderable catalog codes, specimen types, fasting requirements, and demographic reference ranges across laboratories.
Laboratory assay overview
Evaluate the enterohepatic cycle consisting of the biliary system, intestine, portal circulation, and hepatocytes
0.0 – 10.0 µmol/L
Labcorp test directory, test code 010330
Laboratory assay overview
Bile acids are formed in the liver, from cholesterol, stored and concentrated in the gallbladder, and excreted into the intestines in response to food. Elevated concentrations often suggest impaired hepatic clearance due to liver disease. Patients with intestinal malabsorption and metabolic disorders such as Gilbert's disease do not exhibit elevated bile acids concentrations.
Quest Diagnostics population reference ranges
Quest Diagnostics calculates these statistical intervals for this specific assay and demographic group, not as universal optimal targets.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Cholic Acid | ≤1.8 umol/L |
| Deoxycholic Acid | ≤2.4 umol/L |
| Chenodeoxycholic Acid | ≤3.1 umol/L |
| Total Bile Acids | ≤6.8 umol/L |
Cholic Acid | ≤1.8 umol/L Deoxycholic Acid | ≤2.4 umol/L Chenodeoxycholic Acid | ≤3.1 umol/L Total Bile Acids | ≤6.8 umol/L
Quest Diagnostics test directory, test code 4668
Laboratory assay overview
This assay uses LC/MS-MS to quantify the free acid, glycine-conjugate and taurine-conjugate forms of cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and ursodeoxycholic acid. Bile acids may be measured to investigate obstructive cholestasis in pregnancy.1 In addition, bile acids are required for cholesterol absorption, fat-soluble vitamin absorption, and to provide resistance to overgrowth of intestinal bacteria.1 Bile acid levels may be reduced or elevated due to various genetic defects.
Labcorp test directory, test code 503640
Laboratory assay overview
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a rare disorder that typically occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy and is associated with itching, jaundice and disturbances in liver enzymes. While it poses little risk for the mother it may cause problems for the fetus, including preterm delivery, perinatal mortality and other disorders. Measurement of maternal serum bile acids can help in the diagnosis of ICP as the serum total bile acids are increased significantly (6-fold) with large increases primarily in cholic acid (12-fold).
Quest Diagnostics population reference ranges
Quest Diagnostics calculates these statistical intervals for this specific assay and demographic group, not as universal optimal targets.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Cholic Acid | ≤2.8 umol/L |
| Deoxycholic Acid | ≤2.3 umol/L |
| Chenodeoxycholic Acid | ≤3.9 umol/L |
| Total Bile Acids | ≤8.3 umol/L |
Cholic Acid | ≤2.8 umol/L Deoxycholic Acid | ≤2.3 umol/L Chenodeoxycholic Acid | ≤3.9 umol/L Total Bile Acids | ≤8.3 umol/L
Quest Diagnostics test directory, test code 19546
Laboratory assay overview
Used to screen pregnant women for obstetric cholestasis. Symptoms of cholestasis included persistent itching in the third trimester of pregnancy and possible risks of unborn baby including stillbirth, premature labor and bleeding. The frequency of obstetric cholestasis varies and is 1 in 100 in pregnant European women vs. 1 in 10 in South American women. Total bile acids levels are the most sensitive indicator for monitoring the effectiveness of interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients. Total bile acids are metabolized in the liver and, hence, serve as a marker for normal liver function. Serum total bile acids are increased in patients with acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver sclerosis and liver cancer.
0-10 umol/L
Quest Diagnostics test directory, test code 14801
We compile every detail above directly from named laboratory directories and published clinical studies. Laboratories calculate standard reference intervals from the statistical distribution of tested populations for a specific assay method and demographic group, rather than setting universal optimal targets.
Always review your personal lab results with a licensed clinician, or track your lab history and health goals in Aumnivida.
Spotted an error? Email hello@biomarkerlens.com with the page URL and the primary source that corrects the entry.