What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained itching, yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or digestive issues after eating fatty foods. It's also useful if you have a history of liver disease or gallbladder problems and want to check how well your liver is clearing waste products. Bile acid testing can help spot early signs of liver trouble before more serious symptoms develop.

What's included in this test?

This test measures both total and fractionated (broken-down) bile acids, giving a detailed picture of how your liver and gallbladder are processing fats. Looking at the different fractions helps show whether waste products are building up in your blood because your liver isn't clearing them properly. This level of detail is more informative than a single total bile acids number alone.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each value's normal range clearly explained. If your bile acids are elevated, simple next steps include cutting back on fatty and fried foods, avoiding alcohol, and rechecking your levels in a few weeks to see if they're trending down. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track your bile acid levels over time to see how lifestyle changes are working.

How can I naturally support liver and bile acid health?

Eating more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, oats, and beans can help your body process and remove excess bile acids naturally. Cutting back on alcohol, fried foods, and added sugar reduces the workload on your liver. Staying hydrated and getting regular exercise also support healthy liver function and digestion. Some people find milk thistle or dandelion root supplements helpful, but check with a pharmacist before starting anything new.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they'll be uploaded directly to your secure online account, where you can view, download, and track them at your convenience.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with known liver disease, unexplained itching or jaundice, or a family history of liver conditions. It's also worth considering if you've had gallbladder issues or notice digestive discomfort after eating rich or fatty meals. Anyone monitoring liver health over time as part of routine wellness tracking may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include itchy skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-colored urine, pale stools, fatigue, and nausea after fatty meals. Persistent digestive discomfort or unexplained weight loss can also be signs worth checking out. If you notice several of these together, it's a good reason to test your bile acid levels.

What does high bile acids mean?

High bile acid levels usually mean your liver isn't clearing waste products from your blood as efficiently as it should, which can point to liver disease. It can also happen with conditions that affect bile flow from the liver to the intestines. If your results come back high, cutting fatty foods and alcohol while retesting soon is a sensible first step, and severe symptoms like intense jaundice or confusion warrant seeking medical care right away.

What causes high bile acids?

Elevated bile acids are most often linked to liver conditions that slow down how quickly the liver removes them from the blood, such as fatty liver disease or bile duct blockages. Certain metabolic and digestive disorders can also play a role, though conditions like Gilbert's disease typically don't cause elevated levels. Diet, alcohol use, and existing liver damage are common contributing factors.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is normal and you have no ongoing symptoms, retesting once a year as part of general wellness monitoring is reasonable. If your levels were elevated or you're making lifestyle changes to improve liver health, retesting every 4-8 weeks can help you track progress. Anyone with a known liver condition should test more frequently based on how their levels are trending.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Bile Acids Test - Liver Function & Fat Digestion

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]