BILE

Bile Acid, Total

EPIC Test Procedure Code: LAB3334

Synonyms:
BILE SALT
Performing Lab:
Referral Laboratory
Patient Preparation:

The 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 (i.e. challenge the liver with a high level of bile acids in the portal circulation).

Container Type:
Plain red top, serum gel tube, green top (heparin) tube, or lavender top (EDTA) tube
Specimen Type:

Serum or plasma

Preferred Volume:
1 mL
Minimum Volume:
0.2 mL
Specimen Processing:

1. Transfer the serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube before freezing.
2. To avoid delays in turn around time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.

Store and Transport:
Frozen
Stability:

Frozen - 7 days (Freeze/thaw cycles: stable x3)
Refrigerated - 3 days

Unacceptable Condition:

Samples that are not received refrigerated or frozen at the referral laboratory will be rejected. 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.

CPT Codes:

82239 - Bile Acids (EAP 30020992)

Method:
Enzymatic
Reference Ranges:

Please refer to the performing lab report for applicable reference ranges

Lab Personnel

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