Serum Bile Acid Total near me in Chandigarh
Understanding Serum Bile Acid Total in Chandigarh
What is Serum Bile Acid Total in Chandigarh?
The Serum Bile Acid Total test is a specialized test tailored to evaluate liver function and is available at an affordable price in Chandigarh with Tata 1mg labs. Bile acids are compounds produced in the liver and are vital for the digestion of food. They play a crucial role in breaking down dietary fats, aiding the body in absorbing essential fat-soluble nutrients and vitamins.
The Serum Bile Acid Total test can be done as a part of routine health checkups, or your doctor may recommend it if you experience symptoms indicative of an unhealthy liver, such as dark urine, nausea, abdominal pain and swelling, clay-colored stool, jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), anemia, and flu-like symptoms like fever and chills.
During pregnancy, women at a higher risk of intrahepatic cholestasis (a severe liver disease that occurs due to the accumulation of bile acids) may also undergo the Serum Bile Acid Total test. Elevated total bile acid levels may result from conditions such as liver cirrhosis, liver dysfunction caused by injury or trauma, or liver cancer. Usually, overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred for this test. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test.
What does Serum Bile Acid Total measure?
The Serum Bile Acid Total test helps determine the amount of bile acid in your blood. It is a type of digestive enzyme produced by the liver cells and plays a role in emulsifying fats and cholesterol from food to facilitate better fat absorption. This test helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of cholestasis and other liver and gallbladder disorders, such as liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. It is also used to monitor the effects of certain medications.