Enzymatic determination of total 3 alpha-hydroxy bile acids in faeces. Validation in healthy subjects of a rapid method suitable for clinical routine purpose.

A method for determining faecal bile acids, suitable for clinical purposes, is introduced. The analysis uses a 0.2-g stool specimen, a simple extraction procedure, and 3 alpha-steroid dehydrogenase determination. The method, which is rapid, has been validated by gas-liquid chromatography and by recovery of internal standards. Stool examination was done in 16 healthy volunteers on free diet and in 25 patients with non-gastrointestinal diseases who were on a fat- and fibre-fixed diet. No difference was found between the two groups, so the data were pooled, and the normal reference interval (mean +/- S.D.) for faecal bile acid output was calculated to be 0-975 mumol/24h.