Serum or plasma mass concentration of albumin-bound bilirubin
This test measures the amount of bilirubin that is bound to albumin in your blood, a form that is less likely to cause jaundice. It helps assess how well your liver is processing bilirubin, which is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.
["Helps evaluate liver function and detect potential issues with bilirubin metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17327-8
- Short code
- N men sg B Ab Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- N men sg B Ab Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), unexplained fatigue, or if they suspect liver disease, bile duct problems, or certain blood disorders. It can also be part of routine liver function testing in some cases.
What to Expect Before the Test
You will likely have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. No special preparation is usually needed, but avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the test if instructed by your provider.
What the Test Results Mean
Higher than expected levels of albumin-bound bilirubin may indicate problems with how your liver processes bilirubin, such as liver disease, bile duct blockages, or hemolytic anemia. Lower levels might suggest conditions affecting albumin production or binding capacity.
Common Conditions Linked to This Test
This test is often used alongside other liver function tests (like total bilirubin, ALT, and AST) to diagnose or monitor conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, biliary obstruction, or certain genetic disorders affecting bilirubin metabolism.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Albumin-bound bilirubin helps differentiate between types of jaundice (e.g., hemolytic vs. liver-related) and supports the evaluation of conditions where bilirubin metabolism is impaired. It is particularly useful when total bilirubin levels are elevated but direct bilirubin (unbound) is low, suggesting albumin binding issues.
Short name
Albumin-bound bilirubin (ABB)
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal albumin-bound bilirubin levels?
Does diet affect this test?
How often should this test be repeated?
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