Evaluate the enterohepatic cycle consisting of the biliary system, intestine, portal circulation, and hepatocytes.

• Patient should be fasting; however, a two-hour postprandial level has been used by various physicians in order to evaluate hepatic function after the gallbladder has been completely emptied (ie, challenge the liver with a high level of bile acids in the portal circulation).

Fasting for a blood test

• For women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy who need peak bile acid testing, samples may be taken postprandially.

Serum separator (Gold SST) tube

Immediately following collection, mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
3. Transfer 1.0mL  serum to a Screw-cap polypropylene frozen transport vial/tube - 4mL (LabCorp), labelled as serum
4. Freeze

Screw-cap polypropylene frozen transport vial/tube - 4mL (LabCorp)

Red serum vial/tube, 5 mL

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

Dk green heparin (Li or Na), no gel

Dk green/Lavender:

Immediately after collection, mix tube thoroughly by gentle inversion, 8 - 10 times, to prevent clotting

Red:

1. Allow sample to clot
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
3. Transfer 1.0mL serum to a Screw-cap polypropylene frozen transport vial/tube - 4mL (LabCorp), labelled as serum
4. Freeze

Dk green/Lavender:

1. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
2. Transfer 1.0mL   plasma to a Screw-cap polypropylene frozen transport vial/tube - 4mL (LabCorp), labelled as the approprioate plasma type
3. Freeze

Frozen (preferred) - 7 days

Refrigerated - 3 days

Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x 3

• Transported or received at room temperature
• Specimens from patients who are on Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) treatment are not suitable for use with this assay.
  • Instead, use Bile Acids, Fractionated and Total, LC/MS-MS.

Enzymatic

0.0 - 10.0  µmol/L