5th Generation Bile Acids

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A Superior Method for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) Testing

Benefits of the Randox 5th Generation Bile Acids Assay

Superior methodology

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Utilising the advanced enzyme cycling method, the Randox 5^th generation bile acids assay displayed outstanding sensitivity and precision when compared to the traditional enzymatic based tests.

Excellent measuring range

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The Randox 5^th generation bile acids assay has a measuring range of 2.16 – 238µmol/l for the comfortable detection of clinically important results.

Exceptional correlation

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A correlation coefficient of r=0.99 was displayed when the Randox method was compared against other commercially available methods.

Liquid ready-to-use

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The Randox 5^th generation bile acids is available in a liquid ready-to-use format for convenience and ease-of-use.

Calibrator and controls available

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Calibrator and controls are available offering a complete testing package.

Applications available

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Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox 5^th generation bile acids assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.

A 4^th generation method for bile acids testing is also available which offers an excellent linearity up to 150µmol/l. Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox 4^th generation bile acids assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.

Cat No	Size
BI7982	R1 6 x 50ml R2 6 x 18ml	Enquire	Kit Insert Request	MSDS	Buy Online
BI3863	R1 2 x 18ml R2 2 x 8ml	Enquire	Kit Insert Request	MSDS	Buy Online

Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) or obstetric cholestasis is a pregnancy-specific liver disorder. ICP, characterised by maternal pruritus in the absence of a rash and increased total bile acids (TBA) levels, is a severe form, yet reversible, cholestasis commonly occurring in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are lacking for ICP which is of concern as ICP can have significant foetal risks ^{1, 2}.

ICP restricts the flow of bile through the gallbladder causing bile acids to build-up in the liver ². Due to the build-up, bile acids leak into the bloodstream where they are detected at concerning levels. It has been documented that TBA levels in ICP can reach as high as 100 times the upper limit of a normal pregnancy. Moreover, a doubling in maternal serum TBA levels, results in a 200% increased risk of stillbirth. Additionally, elevated serum bile acids can affect the foetal cardiovascular system causing issues such as cardiac rhythm disturbances ³.

Whilst other liver function tests exist, including: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and bilirubin; TBA testing is thought to be the most beneficial method for the diagnosis and monitoring ICP. Moreover, TBA measurements are believed to be the most beneficial when tested in conjunction with standard liver tests, offering unrivalled sensitivity enabling the identification of early stage hepatic dysfunction ³.

The enzyme cycling method enables signal amplification through cycled regeneration reactions. In the presence of Thio-NAD, the enzyme 3-α hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-α HSD) converts bile acids to 3-keto steroids and Thio-NADH (Fig. 1). The reaction is reversible and 3-α HSD can convert 3-keto steroids and Thio-NADH to bile acids and Thio-NAD. In the presence of excess NADH, the enzyme cycling occurs efficiently and the rate of formation of Thio-NADH is determined by measuring specific change of absorbance at 405nm ⁵.

Fig 1: Enzyme cycling assay principle ⁵

Fig 1: Enzyme cycling assay principle (5th Generation Bile Acids)

Want to know more?

Total Bile Acids Whitepaper

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