Bile Acids, Total, Enzymatic
Order Code
BILEA
Test Summary
Used to screen pregnant women for obstetric cholestasis. Symptoms of cholestasis included persistent itching in the third trimester of pregnancy and possible risks of unborn baby including stillbirth, premature labor and bleeding. The frequency of obstetric cholestasis varies and is 1 in 100 in pregnant European women vs. 1 in 10 in South American women. Total bile acids levels are the most sensitive indicator for monitoring the effectiveness of interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients. Total bile acids are metabolized in the liver and, hence, serve as a marker for normal liver function. Serum total bile acids are increased in patients with acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver sclerosis and liver cancer.
Aliases
N/A
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL (SST) specked top
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Centrifuge serum samples within 1 hour of collection and transfer serum into sterile transport tube.
Patient Preparation
Fast for 8 hours
Storage
Sterile screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Unspun serum separator tube (SST)
Red top tube (no gel)
Order Code
BILEA
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB477
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
82239
Billing Code
CPT Statement
Methodology
Enzymatic
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
Department
Reference Range
0-10 umol/L
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 1 - 2 days
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL (SST) specked top
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Centrifuge serum samples within 1 hour of collection and transfer serum into sterile transport tube.
Patient Preparation
Fast for 8 hours
Storage
Sterile screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Unspun serum separator tube (SST)
Red top tube (no gel)
Result Information
Methodology
Enzymatic
Testing Laboratory
Reference Range
0-10 umol/L
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 1 - 2 days