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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. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, and it helps your liver process waste products.

Quick summary

["Your liver’s ability to process bilirubin can signal liver health or potential issues like jaundice or bile duct blockages."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
85501-5
Short code
VIMPCR
Synonyms
blaVIM Islt/Spm Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile transport container or appropriate culture transport medium (e.g., Copan ESwab, Cary-Blair medium); for serum, use serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
molgen
CPT
87798 (Amplified probe technique, each organism) or 87150 (Culture, typing; identification by nucleic acid sequencing) depending on methodology
SNOMED
122451000221109
Specimen volume
1-3 mL serum or minimum 0.5 mL; for culture isolates, a pure colony or fresh growth on solid medium
Stability
Serum: Room temperature 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) 7 days; frozen (-70°C) for longer storage. Culture isolates: stable on appropriate transport media per laboratory protocol.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Doctors may order this test to check for liver problems, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallbladder issues. It can also help diagnose conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome, where bilirubin builds up due to mild liver dysfunction. Sometimes, it’s used to monitor treatment for conditions affecting the liver or bile flow.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your doctor specifies it, but this is not always required. Your blood will be drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and you may feel a slight pinch or discomfort for a few seconds.

What the Results Mean

Higher than normal levels of bilirubin can indicate problems with your liver’s ability to process it, such as inflammation, infection, or blockages in the bile ducts. Lower levels may suggest conditions like hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells break down faster than usual.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used to monitor liver diseases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), and conditions affecting bile production or flow. It can also help track how well treatments for liver or gallbladder issues are working.

Reference range

Negative for blaVIM gene (carbapenem resistance gene not detected). Positive result indicates presence of blaVIM gene conferring carbapenem resistance.N/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy when possible. Inform laboratory of current or recent antibiotic use, especially carbapenems, cephalosporins, or beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Total Bilirubin

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated bilirubin levels?
Elevated bilirubin can result from liver disease (like hepatitis), gallbladder or bile duct blockages, or conditions that cause red blood cells to break down more quickly (like certain blood disorders). It may also appear in newborns due to the immaturity of their liver systems.
What does it mean if my bilirubin is normal?
If your bilirubin levels are within the normal range, it suggests your liver is functioning well in processing bilirubin and that there are no obvious signs of liver or bile duct issues at this time. However, a single test result alone doesn’t diagnose a condition—your doctor will consider other factors.
Can diet affect bilirubin levels?
Dietary changes alone typically won’t significantly alter bilirubin levels, as this test measures a substance produced by your body’s natural processes. However, certain medications or supplements (like some pain relievers or herbal products) may interact with liver function and indirectly affect bilirubin levels, so always discuss this with your doctor.
  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