A simplified procedure for the isolation of bile acids from serum based on a batch extraction with the non-ionic resin--Amberlite XAD-7.

A simple and reproducible method using the non-ionic resin, Amberlite XAD-7, for the isolation of bile acids from serum by a batch procedure is described. Recoveries were greater than 95% for the non-sulphated bile acids and greater than 70% for the sulphate esters of bile acids. By using 1 g of resin, recoveries were independent of the mass (0.1-5 mumol) of the bile acid present. Up to 35 samples a day can be extracted without requiring dedication of the operator. When serum extracts were analysed by the 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase procedure for estimation of bile acids, virtually all the background fluorescence was eliminated. These extracts were also suitable for gas liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and radioimmunoassay.