Clinical Indications

Serum bile acids have been shown to be a sensitive test of hepatobiliary dysfunction. They may be useful in the diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis (OC), especially in the presence of normal LFT's.
Incidence of OC appears to be increasing (~0.2%) and is characterised by severe pruritis, which usually develops in the third trimester. Associated risks include increased risk of maternal postpartum haemorrhage (due to disruption of the absorption of fat soluble vitamin K) and a higher rate of IUD, especially perinatal death after 36 weeks.

Request Form

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black)

Availability

Analysed by referral laboratory if specific criteria met.

Specific Criteria

Investigation of suspected obstetric cholestasis; repeat samples will be analysed after at least one week. Samples will not be analysed if serum bilirubin is greater than 75 umol/L.

Turnaround Time

Same day

Specimen

Serum

Volume

2 ml

Container

Yellow top (SST) tube

Collection

Avoid use of Lithium Heparin tubes, which appear to produce an interfering precipitate

Lab. Handling

Analysed from primary tube

Reference Range