Test Code BASFM Bile Acids, Fractionated and Total, Serum
Additional Codes
MAYO: BASF
EPIC: LAB3910
Advisory Information
This bile acid test is useful in diagnosing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
Do not use this assay for the diagnosis of peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (see BAIPD / Bile Acids for Peroxisomal Disorders, Serum) or inborn errors of bile acid metabolism.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Patient must be fasting for 12 to 14 hours.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Client Test Request (T728) with the specimen.
Useful For
Measuring tauro- and glycol-conjugated and unconjugated bile acid constituents in serum
Monitoring patients receiving bile acid therapy, such as cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, or ursodeoxycholic acid
Aiding in the evaluation of liver function; evaluation of liver function changes before the formation of more advanced clinical signs of illness such as icterus
Determining hepatic dysfunction as a result of chemical and environmental injury
Indicating hepatic histological improvement in chronic hepatitis C patients responding to interferon treatment
Indicating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Testing Algorithm
See Ordering Guide: Bile Acid-Associated Tests in Special Instructions.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Bile Acids, Fractionated and Tot, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 90 days | |
Ambient | 90 days | ||
Frozen | 90 days |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
Analyte |
Normal (nmol/mL) |
Total cholic acid |
≤5.00 |
Total chenodeoxycholic acid |
≤6.00 |
Total deoxycholic acid |
≤6.00 |
Total ursodeoxycholic acid |
≤2.00 |
Total bile acids |
≤19.00 |
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m.
Performing Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82542
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
BAFS | Bile Acids, Fractionated and Tot, S | 43130-4 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
35796 | Total Cholic acid | 30518-5 |
35797 | Total Chenodeoxycholic acid | 30519-3 |
35798 | Total Deoxycholic acid | 30520-1 |
35799 | Total Ursodeoxycholic acid | 55159-8 |
35800 | Total bile acids | 14628-2 |