Bilirubin, Total (Serum)
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 the liver process waste products.
["Bilirubin helps diagnose liver and bile duct issues, including jaundice and gallbladder problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18309-5
- Short code
- nRBC Bld Manual-Rto
- Synonyms
- nRBC Bld Manual-Rto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light-colored stools, or unexplained fatigue. It can also be used to monitor liver function, detect bile duct blockages, or check for conditions like hemolytic anemia or liver disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Higher than normal levels may indicate liver problems, bile duct blockages, or red blood cell breakdown. Lower levels are less common but could suggest certain liver or bile duct conditions. Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your overall health.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions like jaundice, liver disease (such as hepatitis), gallbladder issues, or hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells break down more quickly.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Bilirubin levels are critical because elevated amounts can cause jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), dark urine, or pale stools. Low levels are less frequently significant but may warrant further evaluation for rare conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism.
Short name
Total Serum Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated bilirubin levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy