Bile acids blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Bile acids are made in the liver from cholesterol and released into the gut through the bile ducts to help digest fats. Most are reabsorbed from the lower bowel and returned to the liver, which takes them up efficiently. As a result, only small amounts are normally found in the blood.

When liver cells are not working well or the flow of bile is reduced, bile acids build up in the bloodstream. This makes the test a sensitive marker of liver handling and bile flow. In pregnancy, raised bile acids are used to identify intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a condition that causes itching, usually in the later months, and that needs monitoring by a maternity team. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have itching without a rash, especially on the palms and soles, and want to look at liver causes.
• You have a known liver or bile duct condition and your clinician has asked for bile acids.
• You have had abnormal liver tests and want more information about bile flow.
• You had ICP in a previous pregnancy and want a baseline check before planning another.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your total bile acids with the laboratory reference range. A raised level suggests the liver is not clearing bile acids normally, which can be seen with hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, bile duct problems or cholestasis of pregnancy. Bile acids naturally rise a little after eating, which is why timing matters.

A normal result is reassuring but does not rule out every liver condition. If you are pregnant and have itching, please contact your midwife or maternity unit directly, as ICP is assessed and monitored through maternity services. Should your level sit outside the range, that is a prompt to talk, not a verdict.

Preparing for your test

Please fast for 8 to 10 hours before your test, drinking water only, as bile acids rise after meals. Tell us about any medicines you take, including ursodeoxycholic acid, and whether you are pregnant.

Bile acids are best read with standard liver markers, which you can find in our Liver Function Check. They are also included in Omnia Signature. We also publish every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a bile acids blood test in Chiswick?

The bile acids blood test costs £49. That covers your sample at our W4 clinic, laboratory analysis, a review of the result with a practitioner and a GP feedback report if requested.

Do I need to fast for a bile acids test?

Yes. Bile acids rise after eating, so a fasting sample of 8 to 10 hours, water only, gives the most reliable result.

I am pregnant and itchy. Should I book this?

Please speak to your midwife or maternity unit first. Itching in pregnancy needs assessment by your maternity team, who can arrange bile acid testing and monitoring as part of your care.

How is this different from a liver function test?

Standard liver tests measure enzymes and proteins. Bile acids show how well the liver is handling and clearing bile, which can reveal problems even when other markers look normal.