Bilirubin, Total (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of bilirubin in your blood, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. High levels may indicate liver or bile duct problems.
["Bilirubin helps your liver process waste; abnormal levels may signal underlying health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109838-3
- Short code
- BRUCAB
- Synonyms
- B abortus Ab Msmt Mlk
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top clot tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.3
- Critical range
- 2.5 N/A – 6.5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Indirect ELISA for detection of Brucella abortus-specific antibodies in serum
- CPT
- 84132
- SNOMED
- 165860003
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 2
- Lipemia max
- 2
- Icterus max
- 2
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. Normally, your liver removes it from your bloodstream and sends it to your bile ducts for excretion. If your liver isn’t working properly, bilirubin can build up in your blood, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). This test helps doctors diagnose conditions like liver disease, gallbladder issues, or hemolytic anemia.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know—they can help make it more comfortable.
Possible Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated bilirubin levels may suggest liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis), bile duct blockages (like from gallstones), or conditions that cause red blood cells to break down faster (such as certain blood disorders). Low levels are less common but may occur in rare genetic disorders or severe liver damage.
What You Should Know About Results
Your results will be compared to a reference range provided by your doctor. If your bilirubin is outside this range, follow-up tests or additional questions may be needed to determine the cause.
Reference range
Negative: <0.3 OD (or titer <1:50); Equivocal: 0.3-0.4 OD (or titer 1:50-1:100); Positive: >0.4 OD (or titer >1:100). Reference values vary by assay manufacturer.N/A
No fasting required. Collect sample from animals showing clinical signs of brucellosis (abortion, retained placenta, orchitis) or as part of routine herd surveillance testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Serum Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What triggers this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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