Home
HelpTest Code LAB7556 Bile Acids, Fractionated and Total, Serum
Additional Codes
BAFS
Useful For
Measuring tauro- and glycol-conjugated and unconjugated bile acid constituents in serum specimens
Monitoring patients receiving bile acid therapy, such as cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, or ursodeoxycholic acid
Aiding in the evaluation of liver function; evaluation of liver function changes before the formation of more advanced clinical signs of illness such as icterus
Determining hepatic dysfunction as a result of chemical and environmental injury
Indicating hepatic histological improvement in chronic hepatitis C patients responding to interferon treatment
Indicating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
This assay is not useful for the diagnosis of peroxisomal biogenesis disorders or inborn errors of bile acid metabolism.
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This test is useful in diagnosing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and does not support the assessment of either peroxisomal biogenesis disorders or inborn errors of bile acid metabolism.
For diagnostic testing for peroxisomal biogenesis disorders, order BAIPD / Bile Acids for Peroxisomal Disorders, Serum.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Patient must be fasting for 12 to 14 hours.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 90 days | |
| Ambient | 90 days | ||
| Frozen | 90 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
Total cholic acid: ≤5.00 nmol/mL
Total chenodeoxycholic acid: ≤6.00 nmol/mL
Total deoxycholic acid: ≤6.00 nmol/mL
Total ursodeoxycholic acid: ≤2.00 nmol/mL
Total bile acids: ≤19.00 nmol/mL
Method Description
Bile acid concentrations in serum are measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry stable isotope dilution analysis. Serum is mixed with isotopically labeled internal standards of selected bile acids and then subjected to protein precipitation. Sample preparation is semi-automated using a liquid handler. Reverse-phase liquid chromatography is performed using mobile phases to separate free bile acids, their respective tauro- and glyco-conjugates, and 2 bile acid precursors.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
3 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
1 monthPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
82542
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| BAFS | Bile Acids, Fractionated and Tot, S | 43130-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 35796 | Total Cholic acid | 30518-5 |
| 35797 | Total Chenodeoxycholic acid | 30519-3 |
| 35798 | Total Deoxycholic acid | 30520-1 |
| 35799 | Total Ursodeoxycholic acid | 55159-8 |
| 35800 | Total bile acids | 14628-2 |
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Interpretation
Total bile acids are metabolized in the liver and can serve as a marker for normal liver function. Increases in serum bile acids are seen in patients with acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver sclerosis, liver cancer, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
Special Instructions
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Bile Acid-Associated Tests Ordering Guide
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen.