Test Directory

• Cholic Acids
• Deoxycholic Acids
• Chenodeoxycholic Acids
• Total Bile Acids
• Ursodeoxycholic Acids

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. 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.

Preferred Specimen Type: Serum

Alternate Specimen Type: Plasma

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top Plain, Lavender Top (EDTA), or Green Top (Sodium or Lithium Heparin)

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL

1. Collect a gold top, serum separator tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells within two hours of collection.
2. Transfer 1 mL of serum to a LabCorp pp transpak frozen purple tube.

Patient should be fasting.

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 

• Whole blood

See patient report.