TBA in stool versus currently used diagnostic methods/ tools

The most widely used tool to monitor the reabsorption rate of bile acids in the gastrointestinal tract over time is the 75Selenium homocholic acid taurine (75SeHCAT) test, which utilizes a taurine conjugate of 23-selenium-25-homocholic acid given orally. A baseline scan by 75SeHCAT scintigraphy detects its activity, and a repeat scan is done in 7 days to determine the percentage of 75SeHCAT retained in the gastrointestinal tract and bile duct. A decreased retention is the indicator of increased BA loss into the colon, which is considered a marker for BAM [5].

Compared to the currently used 75SeHCAT method, the determination of total bile acids in stool samples offers many advantages. The determination provides reliable results, does not require the ingestion of radioactive substances, can be carried out immediately after sampling and therefore offers the possibility of a reliable diagnosis and decision making.