What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're pregnant and experiencing persistent itching, especially on your hands and feet, during your second or third trimester. It helps screen for obstetric cholestasis, a liver condition that can affect pregnancy and needs to be caught early. It's also useful if you have a history of liver disease and want to check how well your liver is functioning.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with a clear explanation of the normal range for total bile acids so you know exactly where you stand. If your levels are elevated, next steps often include closer monitoring of your pregnancy and possibly repeat testing to track any changes over time. If a result comes back significantly high, it's important to seek medical care right away since this can signal a condition that needs prompt attention. You can download the full lab report from your account anytime, and the trends feature lets you compare results if you test again later.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

The most common sign is intense itching, particularly on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, that gets worse at night and doesn't come with a rash. This is especially relevant if it starts in your third trimester of pregnancy. Other signs to watch for include dark urine, pale stools, or mild jaundice, which can also point to liver issues worth checking.

How can I naturally support liver health during pregnancy?

Staying hydrated, eating smaller frequent meals, and limiting fried or greasy foods can ease the load on your liver. Foods rich in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, help support healthy digestion and bile flow. Gentle movement, like short walks, can also help circulation and overall wellness during pregnancy, but any itching that's severe or worsening should be looked at quickly rather than managed with home remedies alone.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Once ready, they'll show up automatically in your online account, where you can view, download, and track them anytime.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for pregnant women, particularly those in their third trimester, who are dealing with unexplained itching and want to rule out obstetric cholestasis. It's also useful for anyone with chronic hepatitis C who's tracking how well their treatment is working, or people with existing liver conditions who want a simple way to monitor liver function.

What is obstetric cholestasis and why does it matter?

Obstetric cholestasis is a liver condition that can develop during pregnancy, causing bile acids to build up in the blood instead of flowing normally through the digestive system. It matters because it can cause intense itching for the mother and, if untreated, raises the risk of complications for the baby like early labor or stillbirth. Catching it early through a simple blood test can make managing the rest of the pregnancy much safer.

What does high total bile acids mean?

A high result means bile acids are building up in your blood instead of moving through your digestive system the way they should, which often points to a liver issue like obstetric cholestasis or hepatitis. During pregnancy, this needs prompt attention because of the possible risks to the baby. Outside of pregnancy, it may suggest your liver isn't clearing waste products as efficiently as it should.

What causes high total bile acids?

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can slow down bile flow from the liver, leading to a buildup known as obstetric cholestasis. Outside of pregnancy, causes include acute or chronic hepatitis, liver scarring (cirrhosis), or other conditions that affect how well the liver processes and releases bile. Certain medications and pre-existing liver conditions can also play a role.

How often should I retest?

If you're pregnant and being monitored for obstetric cholestasis, retesting every one to two weeks is common until delivery, especially if your first result was elevated. If you're tracking hepatitis C treatment progress, your retesting schedule will depend on your treatment plan. For general liver health monitoring, retesting every few months or whenever new symptoms appear is a reasonable approach.

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 - Pregnancy Itching & Liver Check

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]