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Bilirubin, Total (Serum)

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

This test measures the total amount of bilirubin in your blood serum. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, and it helps your body remove waste.

Quick summary

["Bilirubin helps identify liver function and bile flow issues."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
105034-3
Short code
VIM1
Synonyms
blaVIM-1 Islt/Spm Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile, leak-proof specimen container; appropriate transport medium (e.g., Amies or Stuart's transport medium) for bacterial isolates; sterile tube or swab transport system for clinical specimens; molecular-grade containers preferred to prevent contamination
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
molgen
CPT
87798 (Amplified probe technique, each organism) or 87500-87503 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid, appropriate code based on source)
SNOMED
122451000146107
Specimen volume
1-5 mL for liquid specimens (blood, body fluids); pure bacterial isolate from culture plate or slant for isolate testing; sufficient material to provide adequate DNA for amplification
Stability
Clinical specimens: Refrigerate at 2-8°C and process within 24-48 hours of collection; stable for up to 7 days at 2-8°C. Bacterial isolates: Stable at room temperature for transport. Extracted DNA: Stable for 1 week at 2-8°C or longer at -20°C or -80°C for archival. Frozen specimens at -70°C are stable indefinitely.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Matters

Your doctor may order a total bilirubin test to check for liver disease, bile duct blockages, or other conditions affecting how your body processes bilirubin. High levels can signal problems like jaundice, hepatitis, or gallbladder issues.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know to avoid unnecessary bruising.

Possible Causes of Abnormal Results

Elevated bilirubin may result from liver diseases (e.g., cirrhosis), hemolytic anemia (rapid red blood cell breakdown), or blockages in the bile ducts. Low levels are less common but could indicate certain liver or bile duct disorders.

What You Should Know About Results

Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Your doctor will interpret the value in relation to your overall health and medical history.

Reference range

Negative (blaVIM-1 gene not detected). A positive result indicates the presence of the blaVIM-1 carbapenem resistance gene, which confers resistance to carbapenem antibiotics including imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation is required. Specimen should be collected prior to the initiation of antibiotic therapy whenever possible. For follow-up specimens during antimicrobial treatment, document current antibiotic regimen. Standard precautions for specimen collection apply.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Bilirubin is a key marker for liver and bile system health. High levels often point to conditions like jaundice, liver inflammation, or gallbladder stones, while low levels may suggest rare metabolic or genetic disorders.

Short name

Total Bilirubin

Frequently asked questions

What does a high bilirubin level mean?
A high bilirubin level may indicate liver problems, red blood cell destruction, or bile duct blockages. Your doctor will review your symptoms and other test results to determine the cause.
How often should I get this test?
Your doctor will decide how often to check your bilirubin based on your health condition. Regular monitoring may be needed if you have liver disease, jaundice, or other related issues.
Can diet affect bilirubin levels?
Diet alone rarely affects bilirubin levels, but certain foods (e.g., high-fiber or fatty foods) may influence liver function indirectly. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding diet and test timing.
  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