[Bile acid stimulation test with ceruletide]

The bile acid stimulation test is a sensitive and liver specific test to check liver function. In contrast to the postprandial estimation of serum bile acids which has been used up to now, it offers the advantage of a better standardization. Furthermore there are hardly any side effects. The test requires three blood samples at 0, 20, and 40 minutes after an i.m. injection of 0.3 micrograms/kg KM Ceruletid (Takus). The normal values in the fasting state are under 5.0 mumol/l, 20 and 40 minutes after stimulation under 15.0 mumol/l serum bile acids.