Direct Bilirubin

About Test

The Direct Bilirubin assay measures the concentration of direct bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment formed by the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver. Direct bilirubin specifically refers to the portion that has been conjugated in the liver and is water-soluble. This test is vital in diagnosing various liver conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and obstructive jaundice. Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or other liver diseases, while low levels are typically within normal range. Physicians often order this test as part of liver function panels or when investigating symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or unexplained fatigue.

Sample Requirements

Gold SST Tube

Stability

Serum: 3 days 2-8°C, Protect from light

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Gold SST Tube

Assay Interferences

Interferences

Lipemia: Interference less than 10% 300mg/dL Intralipid

Other: In very rare cases gammopathy, especially monoclonal IgM (Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.
N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone (metabolite of Paracetamol) will generate erroneously low results in samples for patients have taken an overdose of paracetamol.

Reference Range (µmol/L):

Neonate: 0.0 – 10.0 / Child: 0.9 – 5.3 / Adult: 0.0 -5.0

Critical Value:

Not Applicable