Bilirubin, Total
Use
Causes of high bilirubin: Liver disease: hepatitis, cholangitis, cirrhosis, other types of liver disease (including primary or secondary neoplasia); alcoholism (usually with high AST (SGOT), GGT, MCV, or some combination of these findings); biliary obstruction (intrahepatic or extrahepatic); infectious mononucleosis (look also for increased LD (LDH), lymphocytosis); Dubin-Johnson syndrome; Gilbert disease1 (familial hyperbilirubinemia) is encountered as a moderate elevation with otherwise unremarkable chemistries.
Special Instructions
Serum is the preferred specimen, but plasma can also be used. Ensure separation from cells within 45 minutes of collection. Use appropriate tubes (red-top, gel-barrier, or green-top) and avoid those with oxalate, EDTA, or citrate. Stability and collection instructions must be followed to ensure accurate results.
Limitations
Variability in bilirubin measurements may arise from drug interactions or hemolysis. The test may not adequately distinguish between direct and indirect bilirubin elevations without additional measurements. Interpreting results out of context with other liver function tests and clinical findings could lead to misdiagnosis.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1975-2
- 1975-2
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; improper labeling; gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 days |
| Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant