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Biochemistry Liver Home collection available

Bile Acids Total

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report inSame day

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn same day

About this test

Bile acids are made by the liver to help digest fat. High levels in blood show the liver is not clearing them properly. The test is especially used for itching in pregnancy (cholestasis of pregnancy).

Why is this test done?

  • Diagnose cholestasis of pregnancy
  • Investigate itching with liver problems
  • Monitor liver disease

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Severe itching of palms and soles, worse at night
  • Itching in the third trimester
  • Dark urine or jaundice

Normal range

Fasting < 10 µmol/L

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

High bile acids show reduced bile flow or liver dysfunction. In pregnancy, levels above 40 need closer monitoring of the baby.

Common reasons
  • Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
  • Hepatitis
  • Cirrhosis
  • Blocked bile ducts

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, a fasting sample is preferred.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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