Bile Acids, Fractionated and Total
Also known as: Chenodeoxycholic Acid, Cholic Acid, Deoxycholic Acid
Use
Measurement of bile acids—including cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and total bile acids—helps assess liver function and bile clearance. Elevated concentrations often suggest impaired hepatic clearance due to liver disease; levels typically remain normal in patients with intestinal malabsorption or metabolic disorders such as Gilbert’s disease.
Special Instructions
Overnight fasting is preferred. Collect blood in a SST or red‑top tube; centrifuge and pour off serum into a transport tube.
Limitations
This assay was developed and its analytical performance characteristics determined by Quest; it has not been cleared or approved by FDA. It has been validated pursuant to CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
gel or non‑gel tube
Collection Instructions
Collect blood in a red top or SST tube; after clot formation centrifuge and pour off serum into transport tube.
Patient Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Ambient: 14 days |
| Refrigerated | Refrigerated: 21 days |
| Frozen | Frozen: 30 days |