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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

N/A

CPT Statement

Methodology

Enzymatic

FDA Status

FDA Approved

Physician Attestation of Informed Consent

N/A

Testing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153

Department

Reference Testing

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)

Billing

CPT Code

82239

Billing Code

N/A

CPT Statement

Result Information

Methodology

Enzymatic

Testing Laboratory

N/A

Reference Range

0-10 umol/L

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Monday - Saturday; Report available: 1 - 2 days