Bile Acid Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Bile acids are made by the liver from cholesterol, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the gut to help absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Almost all of them are reclaimed by the intestine and returned to the liver, so the small amount circulating in blood is normally very low. When the liver cell is injured or bile cannot drain freely, this recycling falters and the level climbs — which makes serum total bile acids one of the most sensitive early markers of liver and biliary dysfunction, often rising before bilirubin or routine liver enzymes become abnormal. A doctor may order the test to investigate unexplained itching (pruritus), jaundice, fatty stools, or suspected cholestasis, and to follow chronic liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile-duct obstruction. Its single most important use in our setting is in pregnancy: intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy classically causes intense itching of the palms and soles in the third trimester with few other signs, and a raised bile acid level both confirms the diagnosis and guides how closely the baby must be monitored, since high levels carry risk to the foetus. Both fasting and a 2-hour post-meal sample are sometimes taken together, because a normal fasting value can become abnormal after eating. Results are read alongside ALT, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, and an ultrasound of the liver and biliary tree, and interpreted in the context of your symptoms, medicines, and any history of alcohol use or viral hepatitis.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

Fasting and timing depend on why the test is ordered. For a baseline fasting level, 8–10 hours of overnight fasting is needed (water is fine). If your doctor has asked for a post-meal (2-hour postprandial) sample, eat your usual meal and return exactly two hours later. In pregnancy, fasting is usually not required — tell us if you are pregnant and whether you have been itching, as that changes how we handle the sample.

Turnaround time

Reports for Bile Acid are typically ready within: 3rd Working Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other biochemistry tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Bile Acid or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.