Until now, the prevailing laboratory test for bile acid malabsorption required a 48-hour fecal specimen. Studies show that more than 25% of patients with IBS-D are suffering from bile acid malabsorption. If identified, therapies are readily available. This presentation will describe a new serum test for bile acid malabsorption.

Descriptions will be given to illustrate how the test can be used as a screening test and as a tool for therapeutic action.

This recording was reviewed in March 2026

Note: No credit is offered for this presentation.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the high frequency of bile acid malabsorption in patients suffering from chronic diarrhea.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of the new and existing approaches to diagnosis.
• Investigate becoming a user of the new approach in routine clinical practice.

Faculty Disclosure

Course director(s), planning committee, faculty, and all others who are in a position to control the content of this educational activity are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest related to the subject matter of the educational activity. Safeguards against commercial bias have been put in place. Faculty members also will disclose any off-label and/or investigational use of pharmaceuticals or instruments discussed in their presentations. Disclosure of this information will be published in course materials so those participants in the activity may formulate their own judgments regarding the presentations. 

Questions

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