Serum/plasma concentration of total bilirubin
This test measures the total amount of bilirubin in your blood, a waste product made when red blood cells break down. It helps assess liver function and detect conditions like jaundice or bile duct blockages.
["Your liver’s ability to process bilirubin and detect potential liver or bile issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 93689-8
- Short code
- THSD7A IgG Titr SerPl CBA IFA
- Synonyms
- THSD7A IgG Titr SerPl CBA IFA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 61
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- cba-ifa
- CPT
- 82977
- SNOMED
- 3110003
- 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 Matters
Bilirubin is produced when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, your liver removes it from your blood and sends it to your bile ducts to be excreted in bile. If your liver isn’t working properly, bilirubin can build up in your blood, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). This test helps doctors check for liver diseases, infections, or blockages in the bile ducts.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. If you’re tested for urine bilirubin (not applicable here), you might be asked to collect a urine sample in a container. Avoid alcohol or certain medications for 24 hours before testing if instructed by your doctor.
What the Results Mean
Higher than normal levels of bilirubin can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct issues. Lower levels may suggest hemolytic anemia (where red blood cells break down too quickly). Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
This test is often used to diagnose or monitor conditions like jaundice, liver diseases (such as hepatitis), bile duct blockages, or hemolytic anemia. It can also help track how well treatments are working for these conditions.
Reference range
Adult males: 8-61 U/L; Adult females: 5-36 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated bilirubin levels often signal liver dysfunction or impaired bile flow, which can cause jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain. Doctors may use these results alongside other tests to diagnose liver diseases, gallbladder issues, or blood disorders that affect red blood cell breakdown.
Short name
Total bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
What causes bilirubin levels to rise?
How long does it take to get results?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy