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 the liver process waste products.
["Your doctor may check bilirubin levels to diagnose or monitor liver disease, bile duct issues, or red blood cell disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110795-2
- Short code
- BRCM
- Synonyms
- B abortus IgM Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 395128002
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL 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 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors order total bilirubin tests to identify problems with your liver, bile ducts, or blood cells. High levels might suggest conditions like jaundice, hepatitis, gallstones, or hemolytic anemia. Low levels are less common but could indicate certain liver or bile duct blockages.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may drink water beforehand, but avoid alcohol or certain medications that could affect results. Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking, especially those for liver issues or blood thinners.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure bilirubin concentration.
Possible Results and Their Meaning
Results are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Elevated levels (above normal) may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or red blood cell breakdown. Very low levels are rare but could signal rare conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Reference range
Negative: <0.8 Index; Equivocal: 0.8-1.0 Index; Positive: >1.0 Index (Index values vary by manufacturer)N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any recent antibiotic use, as treatment may affect antibody levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total Serum Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What might cause abnormal bilirubin levels?
How often should this test be repeated?
Can diet or lifestyle 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