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Bilirubin, Gastric Fluid — Mass Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

Measures the amount of bilirubin in gastric fluid. This specialized test may help evaluate bile reflux, intestinal obstruction, or other digestive conditions.

Quick summary

["This test measures bilirubin in stomach fluid and is interpreted alongside symptoms and other diagnostic findings."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14424-6
Short code
Bilirub Gast-mCnc
Synonyms
Bilirub Gast-mCnc
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test measures the concentration of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when the body breaks down red blood cells, in gastric fluid. Bilirubin normally enters the digestive tract through bile, so its presence in stomach contents can reflect bile flow or reflux.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this specialized test when evaluating bile reflux, persistent vomiting, suspected intestinal obstruction, or unexplained findings involving the stomach or upper digestive tract. It is not a routine substitute for a standard blood bilirubin test.

How is the test performed?

A gastric fluid sample may be collected during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or through a nasogastric tube. The laboratory measures the bilirubin concentration in the sample.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician or testing facility's instructions exactly. Preparation may depend on how the gastric sample will be collected, and you should not stop medicines or change your diet unless your clinician tells you to do so.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Gastric Fluid Bilirubin

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a blood bilirubin test?
No. This test measures bilirubin in stomach fluid, whereas a standard bilirubin test measures bilirubin in blood or serum.
Why might bilirubin be found in gastric fluid?
Bile can move backward from the intestine into the stomach, or forward from the stomach into the intestine. Bile-flow obstruction and certain digestive conditions can also affect the result.
Does an abnormal result diagnose a specific condition?
No. Gastric fluid bilirubin is interpreted with other clinical findings and tests, so a clinician should explain what the result means for you.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy