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 your liver process waste products.
["Your liver and bile system play a key role in bilirubin processing; abnormal levels may signal liver or bile duct issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63437-8
- Short code
- BRUCAB
- Synonyms
- B abortus Ab Titr Ser AHG
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top vacutainer tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- antihuman-globulin
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 1659007
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of whole blood (yields approximately 1-2 mL serum)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order a total bilirubin test to check for liver disease, bile duct blockages, or other conditions that affect how your body processes bilirubin. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like hemolytic anemia, jaundice, or cirrhosis.
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 so they can help you relax.
What the Test Results Mean
Bilirubin levels above normal can indicate problems like liver inflammation, bile duct blockages, or red blood cell breakdown. However, results alone don’t diagnose a condition—they’re usually reviewed with other symptoms and tests.
Common Conditions Linked to Bilirubin Levels
Elevated bilirubin is often seen in jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), liver diseases (like hepatitis), or gallbladder issues. Low levels may occur in rare genetic disorders or severe dehydration.
Reference range
Negative: < 1:40 (titer); Positive: >= 1:40 (titer). A four-fold rise in titer between acute and convalescent sera is considered diagnostically significant.N/A
No fasting required. Avoid hemolysis. Recent antibiotic therapy may affect results. Two serum specimens (acute and convalescent, drawn 2-4 weeks apart) are recommended for seroconversion documentation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Bilirubin is critical for detecting liver and bile system dysfunction. High levels can signal underlying issues requiring further evaluation, such as liver scans or additional blood tests to pinpoint the cause.
Short name
Total Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What causes bilirubin levels to change in my body?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or medications 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy