Bilirubin
Synonyms
Bilirubin, total, conjugated and unconjugated
Purpose
It is a blood test that determines the total, conjugated and unconjugated amount of bilirubin in the blood.
Patient Preparation
The adult patient is required to avoid eating or drinking anything other than water four hours prior to the test. Children do not require any special preparation.
Samples
3ml with a minimum volume of 1ml of Serum or plasma collected in a Gel-barrier, red-top or green top tube (lithium heparin). Plasma or serum should be separated within 45 minutes of sample collection. Refrigeration is more preferred for up to 3 days, room temperature storage is only recommended for up to 2 days.
Reference Range
Direct (conjugated) bilirubin 0.3mg/dL, total bilirubin 0. To 1.2 mg/dL
Results Turnaround
Within 24 hours
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
Overproduction of bilirubin, Gilberts disease and decreased conjugation (hepatocellular disease) requires biliary tests for differential diagnosis from jaundice. Low levels of bilirubin may be a marker for diabetic retinopathy.