Phbifl
A bile fluid pH test measures the acidity or alkalinity of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
{"Bile pH test measures how acidic or alkaline your bile fluid is","Abnormally low pH may indicate bile reflux or gallbladder dysfunction","The test requires a sample of bile fluid collected during a medical procedure","Results help doctors diagnose digestive system problems"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53653-2
- Short code
- BILEPH
- Synonyms
- pH Bifl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile specimen container, preferably amber or light-protected container to prevent pH changes from light exposure
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 7
- Ref high
- 8
- Critical range
- 6 not specified – 9 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Potentiometry using pH electrode
- CPT
- 83990
- SNOMED
- 271435004
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 mL of bile fluid
- Stability
- Bile specimens should be analyzed promptly. If delay is unavoidable, store at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze bile specimens as this may alter pH readings.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 2–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The bile fluid pH test measures the hydrogen ion concentration in bile, a greenish-yellow fluid produced by your liver to help digest fats. Bile is normally slightly alkaline (pH around 7.6-8.6). This test helps doctors evaluate how bile flows through your digestive system and identify potential problems.
How is the sample collected?
Bile fluid is collected during a medical procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or during gallbladder drainage. A thin tube (catheter) is used to collect bile from the bile ducts or gallbladder. This is not a routine blood test and requires special procedures.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), or unexplained weight loss. It helps diagnose conditions affecting bile flow and gallbladder function.
Reference range
7.0-8.0not specified
No special preparation required; specimen obtained via biliary drain, T-tube, or ERCP
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings3
Frequently asked questions
Is the bile pH test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What conditions are associated with abnormal bile pH?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy