Bilirubin, Neonatal Total and Direct
Use
Useful in evaluating neonatal jaundice by measuring both total and direct (conjugated) bilirubin levels. Elevated direct bilirubin may indicate obstructive or hepatic causes of jaundice; elevated total bilirubin may reflect hemolysis or immature bilirubin metabolism.
Special Instructions
For infants under 60 days of age. Use amber or light-protected serum separator tubes; avoid hemolysis. Protect specimens from light during collection and transport.
Limitations
Endogenous carotenoids in infants older than 10 days may interfere with results. Calculated indirect bilirubin may be affected by sample hemolysis or light exposure.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
amber or non-light protected transport vial; Microtainer® serum separator tubes (SSTs)
Collection Instructions
Draw 2 amber Microtainer® SSTs or wrap spun SSTs in foil; avoid hemolysis; patient should be less than 60 days old.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; use of anticoagulants other than heparin
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours (if protected from light) |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 90 days |