Bilirubin, Total (Serum or 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 your liver process waste products.
["Your liver plays a key role in processing bilirubin, and abnormal levels may signal liver or bile duct issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 85829-0
- Short code
- blaSPM
- Synonyms
- blaSPM Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container; for serum use serum separator tube (SST); for culture-based detection use appropriate transport or culture media swabs
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87798 (unlisted infectious agent detection by nucleic acid)
- SNOMED
- 122450008 | carbapenem resistance gene detection |
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum; for bacterial isolates a pure colony or broth culture is sufficient
- Stability
- Serum: 24 hours at 2-8°C; 7 days at -70°C. Bacterial isolates: stable at 2-8°C for up to 48 hours; freeze at -70°C for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles for nucleic acid extracts.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Doctors may order a total bilirubin test to check for liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct blockages. It can also help diagnose conditions like jaundice, where your skin or eyes turn yellow. Sometimes, it’s used to monitor treatment progress or identify underlying causes of fatigue, dark urine, or pale stools.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The lab analyzes the serum or plasma to measure bilirubin levels using a specialized chemical test. This helps determine whether your liver or bile system is functioning properly.
What to Expect Before the Test
There are usually no special preparations needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a liver function panel, but this depends on your doctor’s instructions. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol for a few hours beforehand if advised.
What to Expect During the Test
The test is quick and painless. A healthcare provider will insert a small needle into your vein to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few seconds. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.
Reference range
Negative (blaSPM gene not detected). Positive indicates presence of the SPM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase gene conferring carbapenem resistance.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy when possible to maximize organism recovery and resistance gene detection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What causes high bilirubin levels?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy