Bilirubin, Total (Serum/Plasma)
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 liver’s health and red blood cell breakdown can be checked with this simple blood test."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101127-9
- Short code
- BLASIM
- Synonyms
- blaSIM Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof transport container or bacterial isolate transport medium; for serum samples, serum separator tube (SST) or sterile red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87150 (Culture-based identification) or 87798 (Amplified probe technique, organism-specific); may also use 87153 (Identification by nucleic acid sequencing method)
- SNOMED
- 122446000 | Bacterial resistance gene detection (procedure) | 723826008 | Carbapenem resistance (disorder)
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum; or bacterial isolate on appropriate transport medium (slant or plate)
- Stability
- Serum: Room temperature 24 hours, Refrigerated (2-8°C) 7 days, Frozen (-20°C or below) 30 days. Bacterial isolates: Room temperature in transport medium up to 48 hours; subculture to fresh medium for longer storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Bilirubin helps doctors assess liver function, detect bile duct blockages, and identify conditions like jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), hemolytic anemia (abnormal red blood cell destruction), or liver disease. High levels may signal issues with how your liver processes bilirubin or if bile isn’t flowing properly.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm for a simple blood draw. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your provider know.
What the Results Mean
Results are usually reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Elevated levels may require further testing to check liver function or rule out conditions like hepatitis, gallstones, or red blood cell disorders.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High bilirubin can come from liver problems (e.g., hepatitis), blocked bile ducts, or conditions that destroy red blood cells faster than the liver can process them. Low levels are less common but may occur with certain liver diseases or genetic disorders.
Reference range
Negative for blaSIM carbapenemase resistance gene; blaSIM gene not detectedN/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy whenever possible to maximize detection of resistance genes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
Could my bilirubin levels be affected by what I eat or drink?
Why do I need this test if I don’t have symptoms like itching or yellow skin?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy