Bilirubin, Total, Serum
This test measures the total amount of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when your body breaks down old red blood cells.
["Bilirubin helps your liver process waste and keeps your skin and eyes from turning yellow."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6910-4
- Short code
- BRUCAB
- Synonyms
- B abortus IgA Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, tiger-top) or plain red-top tube; acceptable alternatives include serum collected in clot activator tubes
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for detection of Brucella abortus-specific IgA antibodies
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 17128003
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- 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
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may order this test to check for liver disease, bile duct blockages, or problems with how your body processes bilirubin. It can also help diagnose conditions like jaundice, hemolytic anemia, or certain genetic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. This is usually quick and painless. Avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the test if instructed by your healthcare provider.
What the Results Mean
Higher than normal levels may indicate liver disease, bile duct issues, or problems breaking down red blood cells. Lower levels are less common but could suggest certain blood disorders or liver problems.
Common Conditions Linked to Bilirubin Levels
Elevated bilirubin is often seen in jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), liver diseases (like hepatitis), or blockages in the bile ducts. It can also appear in conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome or hemolytic anemia.
Reference range
Negative: <1:20 or <0.9 index (varies by method); Positive: ≥1:20 or ≥1.0 index; Equivocal: per laboratory-specific cutoff. Reference values depend on the assay manufacturer and population studied.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected before administration of antibiotics when clinically feasible. Patient should inform the laboratory of any recent vaccination (including live attenuated Brucella vaccines), occupational exposure history, or travel to endemic regions (Mediterranean, Middle East, Central/South America, Africa).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Bilirubin is a key marker for liver function and red blood cell health. Abnormal levels can signal underlying issues that need medical attention, such as liver damage, bile flow problems, or genetic disorders. Early detection helps manage conditions like jaundice or hemolytic anemia more effectively.
Short name
Total Serum Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What causes bilirubin to be higher than normal?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy