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 is normally processed by your liver.
["Bilirubin helps your liver remove waste and keeps your blood healthy, but high levels can signal potential liver or bile duct issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63435-2
- Short code
- BRUCAB-CSF
- Synonyms
- B abortus Ab Titr CSF AHG
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap polypropylene collection tube (tube 3 or 4 of standard lumbar puncture collection series) for CSF; container should be free of preservatives
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- antihuman-globulin
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 122450008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of cerebrospinal fluid; minimum 0.5 mL acceptable for titration
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. For prolonged storage, aliquot before freezing.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for liver disease, bile duct blockages, or other conditions that affect how bilirubin is processed. It’s also used to monitor conditions like jaundice, hemolytic anemia, or liver transplants.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Bilirubin levels above normal can indicate problems like liver inflammation, gallstones, or red blood cell breakdown. Very high levels may suggest severe liver disease or blockages in the bile ducts.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test helps diagnose or track conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstructions. It’s also used in newborns to detect jaundice, which can be treated early.
Reference range
Negative (titer < 1:2); Titers ≥ 1:8 in CSF are considered clinically significant for neurobrucellosis. Results reported as the highest dilution yielding detectable agglutination.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Inform the patient that the procedure involves lumbar puncture performed under sterile conditions, typically with local anesthesia.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Bilirubin’s Role in Health
Short name
Total Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet or medications affect bilirubin levels?
Is there anything I should avoid 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