Total Bilirubin with Urine Bilirubin Excretion (24-hour collection)
This test measures your body’s processing of a waste product called bilirubin, which comes from broken-down red blood cells. It also checks how much bilirubin appears in your urine over 24 hours.
["Bilirubin helps diagnose liver, gallbladder, or bile duct issues and assesses how well your body removes waste from red blood cells."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88519-4
- Short code
- KIT c.2447A>T Bld/T Ql
- Synonyms
- KIT c.2447A>T Bld/T Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does Bilirubin Do in Your Body?
Bilirubin is produced when your liver breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, it’s filtered out of your blood and excreted through bile into your intestines. If bilirubin builds up in your blood, it can cause jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes).
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, or if they suspect liver disease, gallbladder problems, or hemolytic anemia (red blood cell breakdown). The urine test helps confirm how much bilirubin is being excreted.
How Is This Test Done?
For the blood test: A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. For the urine test: You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours in a special container. Results are compared to check if bilirubin levels are normal or elevated.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
High blood bilirubin may indicate liver disease, blockages in bile ducts, or hemolysis. High urine bilirubin suggests your kidneys are filtering it properly, but further testing may be needed to pinpoint the cause.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a key role in diagnosing conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or hemolytic disorders. Early detection can guide treatment for conditions like jaundice, bile duct obstructions, or red blood cell disorders.
Short name
Bilirubin Profile (24h)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 24-hour urine collection take?
What should I do if I miss any urine during the collection?
Can I take medications or eat certain foods before this test?
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