Serum or plasma mass concentration of total bilirubin
This test measures the total amount of bilirubin in your blood, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. It helps assess liver function and detect conditions like jaundice or bile duct blockages.
["Total bilirubin levels can signal liver or bile problems, including jaundice or gallbladder issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46299-4
- Short code
- MR Brst-Ul
- Synonyms
- MR Brst-Ul
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for liver problems, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct blockages. It can also help diagnose conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome, hemolytic anemia, or certain genetic disorders. Sometimes, it’s used to monitor treatment progress for liver diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re fasting, follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure accurate results.
What the Results Mean
Higher than normal levels may indicate liver disease, red blood cell breakdown, or other conditions affecting bile flow. Lower levels are less common but could signal certain liver or metabolic issues. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
This test is often used to identify liver diseases (like hepatitis or cirrhosis), bile duct obstructions, hemolytic anemia (where red blood cells break down too quickly), or genetic disorders like Crigler-Najjar syndrome. It can also help monitor jaundice in newborns.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Total bilirubin is a key marker for liver function and bile flow. Elevated levels often point to conditions that require further investigation, such as liver inflammation, blockages, or red blood cell destruction. Low levels are less frequently abnormal but may warrant evaluation for rare metabolic or genetic causes.
Short name
Total bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What causes total bilirubin levels to be higher than usual?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet or medications affect total 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