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HelpOrder Code 7AC4 7AC4, Bile Acid Synthesis, Serum
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation:
1. Patient must fast for at least 12 hours prior to collection; fasting morning specimen is preferred.
2. Patient should not be taking bile acid sequestrants for 24 hours prior to collection or statins for 5 days prior to collection.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge and aliquot 1 mL of serum into plastic vial.
2. Send specimen frozen.
Useful For
Screening for bile acid malabsorption in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
7AC4, Bile Acid Synthesis, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours | |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Reference Values
≥18 years: 2.5-63.2 ng/mL
Reference values have not been established for patients who are <18 years of age.
Method Description
7 Alpha-hydroxy-cholesten-3-one (7aC4) is extracted from the sample. After addition of a deuterium-labeled 7aC4 internal standard, 7aC4 is measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. (Donato LJ, Lueke A, Kenyon SM, Meeusen JW, Camilleri M: Description of analytical method and clinical utility of measuring serum 7-alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (7aC4) by mass spectrometry. Clin Biochem. 2018;52:106-111)
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Thursday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
82542
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Ordering Guide: Bile Acid-Associated Tests.