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Bilirubin, Tissue — Hall's Stain

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A tissue stain used to detect bilirubin deposits, which can help assess bile-related changes in a biopsy or surgical specimen.

Quick summary

["This test detects bilirubin in tissue to help identify bile-related injury or impaired bile flow."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
43428-2
Short code
Bilirubin Tiss Hall's Stn
Synonyms
Bilirubin Tiss Hall's Stn
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
hall-s-stain
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 is a histologic test performed on tissue to detect bilirubin, a yellow-green bile pigment. Hall's stain highlights bilirubin deposits so they can be identified under a microscope.

Why might I need this test?

A tissue bilirubin stain may be used when a biopsy or surgical specimen suggests bile buildup, bile duct obstruction, bile leakage, or liver injury. It is generally interpreted by a pathologist along with the tissue's appearance and other laboratory findings.

How is the test performed?

A pathologist applies a special stain to tissue collected during a biopsy or surgery and examines the sample under a microscope. The stain helps reveal where bilirubin has accumulated within the tissue.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually needed for the stain itself. Preparation depends on how the tissue sample was obtained, so follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team or surgical facility.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Detectable bilirubin in tissue may support bile accumulation caused by impaired bile flow, bile duct injury, or bile leakage. The location and pattern of staining, together with the rest of the pathology report, determine its clinical meaning. A negative stain alone does not rule out a bile-related condition.

Short name

Tissue Bilirubin Stain

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a blood bilirubin test?
No. This test examines a tissue sample, whereas a blood bilirubin test measures bilirubin in the bloodstream.
What does a positive tissue bilirubin stain mean?
It means bilirubin was detected in the examined tissue. This may reflect bile buildup, impaired bile flow, or bile leakage, depending on the tissue and the full pathology findings.
Do I need to do anything special before the test?
The staining procedure itself requires no special preparation. If tissue collection is planned, your healthcare team will explain any procedure-specific instructions.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy