Bilirubin, Total (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, and it helps the liver process waste products.
["Your liver’s ability to process bilirubin may be affected by conditions like jaundice or liver disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22146-5
- Short code
- BRUCAB
- Synonyms
- B abortus Ab Mlk Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile milk collection vial or serum separator tube (SST); sterile screw-cap plastic container for bulk milk samples
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- female
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); alternatives include Rose Bengal test, serum agglutination test (SAT), complement fixation test (CFT), and milk ring test (MRT) for herd screening
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 165810006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL milk sample or 2 mL serum
- Stability
- Milk: Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 72 hours; frozen at -20°C for up to 30 days. Serum: Room temperature for 8 hours, refrigerated (2-8°C) for 5 days, frozen at -20°C for 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order a total bilirubin test to check for liver problems, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), hepatitis, or bile duct blockages. It can also help diagnose conditions like hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells break down too quickly.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab, where it’s analyzed to measure bilirubin levels using a specialized test.
What Do Results Mean?
Higher than normal levels may suggest liver or bile duct issues, while very low levels might indicate conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome or certain blood disorders. Your doctor will interpret results based on your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Linked to Bilirubin Levels
Elevated bilirubin is often linked to jaundice, liver disease, gallbladder problems, or blood disorders. Low levels are less common but may relate to genetic conditions or certain medications.
Reference range
Negative: No detectable antibodies to Brucella abortus. Positive: Antibodies detected, suggestive of exposure or active infection. Titers of 1:80 or higher are generally considered clinically significant in conjunction with clinical findings.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Although this test is designated for milk specimens in LOINC, serum may be submitted for individual animal serology. Inform the laboratory of recent vaccination status, as vaccination with Brucella abortus strain RB51 or S19 can produce positive antibody results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What causes bilirubin levels to rise?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or lifestyle affect bilirubin levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy