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.
Patient should be fasting.
Immediately following collection, mix sample by gently inverting 5 times
Gold serum separator (SST) tube
Lavender/Dk Green:
Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inverting 8 - 10 times, to prevent clotting
Red:
Lavender/Dk green:
Refrigerated (preferred) - 3 days
Ambient - 1 days
Frozen - 14 days
High-pressure liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-MS)
Ursodeoxycholic acids |
< 1.9 |
Cholic acids |
< 2.2 |
Chenodeoxycholic acids |
< 5.8 |
Deoxycholic acids |
< 3.3 |
Total Bile acids |
< 9.2 |
Bile acids may be measured to investigate obstructive cholestasis in pregnancy. In addition, bile acids are required for cholesterol absorption, fat-soluble vitamin absorption, and to provide resistance to overgrowth of intestinal bacteria. Bile acid levels may be reduced or elevated due to various genetic defects.