The bile acids test is a diagnostic blood or fecal examination that measures the concentration of bile acids circulating in the body. Produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, bile acids help digest dietary fats and absorb vital nutrients.
This test is primarily used to evaluate liver function, diagnose chronic liver diseases, detect intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and assess gastrointestinal malabsorption issues. Abnormally elevated or lowered levels can indicate impaired hepatic clearance, biliary tract blockages, or disrupted enterohepatic circulation, providing critical insights for targeted medical intervention.