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, which your liver helps process and remove from your body.
["Bilirubin helps your liver clear waste products from your blood and supports healthy digestion."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43129-6
- Short code
- BRUCG
- Synonyms
- B abortus IgG+IgM Pnl Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top (no anticoagulant) vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies against Brucella abortus
- CPT
- 86622 (x2 for IgG and IgM)
- SNOMED
- 395128002
- 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 4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 25
- 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 other conditions that affect how your liver processes bilirubin. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like jaundice, hemolytic anemia, or liver cirrhosis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re concerned about needles or have a clotting disorder, let your doctor know beforehand.
What the Results Mean
Higher than normal levels of bilirubin can indicate problems with your liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. Lower levels may suggest conditions like hemolytic anemia or certain liver diseases. Your doctor will discuss your results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor conditions like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), liver disease, bile duct obstructions, or hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells break down too quickly.
Reference range
IgG: Negative (<1:80 or <10 IU/mL depending on assay); IgM: Negative (<1:40 or <10 IU/mL depending on assay). Positive results suggest current or past exposure to Brucella species.N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patient should inform the laboratory if they have recently received vaccines or immunosuppressive therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated bilirubin levels can signal potential issues such as liver dysfunction, gallbladder problems, or increased red blood cell breakdown. Low levels may require further investigation to rule out underlying conditions like vitamin deficiencies or certain genetic disorders. Your doctor will interpret results alongside other symptoms and tests to guide treatment decisions.
Short name
Total Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated bilirubin levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet 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