Bile salts are normally secreted into the intestine to aid fat digestion and absorption.

In cases of liver disease or bile duct obstruction, bile salts may spill into the bloodstream and be excreted in urine.

Clinical uses include:

Screening for cholestasis and obstructive jaundice.

Supporting diagnosis of hepatocellular disease (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis).

Detecting early liver dysfunction in patients with jaundice.

Often performed alongside Urine Bile Pigments, Liver Function Tests (LFTs), and imaging studies for comprehensive evaluation.

Analyte: Bile salts in urine (qualitative test).

Normal Result: Negative (no bile salts detected).

Abnormal Findings:

Positive bile salts: Suggests liver disease, biliary obstruction, or cholestasis.

Clinical Use:

Provides a simple screening marker for hepatobiliary disorders.

Helps guide diagnosis and monitoring of liver and biliary tract conditions.

Supports gastroenterology and hepatology evaluations.