Bilirubin, Body Fluid
Use
The Bilirubin, Body Fluid test is used to evaluate peritoneal fluid or abdominal drain fluid as a screening test for bile leakage. It may also aid in distinguishing between transudative and exudative pleural effusions. Measuring bilirubin in pleural fluid can help differentiate between exudates and transudates, though there can be overlap between these groups.
Special Instructions
For bilirubin testing on urine specimens, order BILUR / Bilirubin, Random, Urine. Testing will be changed to BILUR if this test is ordered on urine specimens. Ship specimen in amber vial to protect from light.
Limitations
Bilirubin is photosensitive, and failure to protect from light may cause decreased results. Rare cases of gammopathy, in particular type IgM (Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia), may result in unreliable results. Cyanokit (Hydroxocobalamin) may lead to falsely low results. Bilirubin's diagnostic utility is limited due to overlap in bilirubin levels between exudative and transudative fluids.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1974-5
- 1974-5
- 14725-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Opaque, amber vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge to remove any cellular material and transfer into an amber vial to protect from light. Indicate the specimen source and source location on label.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Anticoagulant or additive, certain body fluids like amniotic fluid, breast milk, saliva, etc.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 70 days |