bilirubin-blood-test
Reviewed
Also called: Total serum bilirubin, TSB, Total bilirubin, TBIL, Neonatal bilirubin, Direct bilirubin (conjugated bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin is direct bilirubin per source text; note: source lists direct bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin as other names but does not define them separately; they are included as aliases per source listing.)
A bilirubin blood test measures the levels of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is found in bile, a fluid your liver makes to help you digest food.
Specimen: blood
Why this test may be ordered
- If you have symptoms such as jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), dark urine, clay-colored stool, or stomach pain.
- To find out if there is a blockage in your bile ducts.
- To monitor an existing liver disease.
- To diagnose disorders related to your body breaking down red blood cells too quickly, such as hemolytic anemia.
Preparation and collection
Your provider may tell you to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before your blood test. You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. If the test is done on your newborn, they will have a heel stick test.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
The results will show if the amount of bilirubin in your blood is in the normal range. The normal ranges can vary from lab to lab.
What does high bilirubin mean?
High bilirubin level (hyperbilirubinemia): High bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinemia) may be due to: hemolytic anemia, liver disease, blockage in your bile ducts. Limitation: Abnormal results don't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Higher-than-normal bilirubin levels can also be caused by some medicines, certain foods, or strenuous exercise. Next step: If the results are outside your lab's reference range, you may need further testing.- Low bilirubin level (hypobilirubinemia): Low bilirubin levels (hypobilirubinemia) are not usually a cause for concern but may be due to: medicines such as antibiotics, birth control pills, sleeping pills, and seizure medicines. Limitation: Normal results can vary based on the lab, your sex, and if the test is being done on an infant or child. Next step: To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.
- Normal ranges can vary from lab to lab and may depend on your sex and whether the test is done on an infant or child.
- Abnormal results don't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment.
- Higher-than-normal bilirubin levels can also be caused by some medicines, certain foods, or strenuous exercise.
- A bilirubin blood test is only one measure of your liver health; other tests may be needed.
What to do next
To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider. If the results are outside your lab's reference range, you may need further testing.
- What do my bilirubin levels mean for my liver health?
- Do I need any additional tests based on my results?
- Should I be concerned about jaundice or other symptoms I am having?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.