Bilirubin, Total, Serum/Plasma

During the process of haem degradation, biliverdin is produced which is subsequently transformed to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Bilirubin is found in blood bound to plasma albumin, which transports it to the liver, where it is conjugated to hydrophilic acceptors (bilirubin glucuronides). Thus, circulating
bilirubin is found in two forms; direct unconjugated and conjugated. Biliverdin and bilirubin are potent antioxidants and protect cells from oxidative stress on the one hand, whereas bilirubin displays neurotoxicity on the other.

This test is useful in the diagnosis of liver disease; Prehepatic Jaundice: haemolytic anaemia and neonatal jaundice, Hepatic Jaundice: conjugation failure (Crigler-Najjar disease), bilirubin transport disturbances (Gilbert's disease and Dubin-Johnson disease), diffuse hepatocellular damage or necrosis (viral hepatitis, toxic hepatitis, and cirrhosis), intrahepatic obstruction and Posthepatic Jaundice: obstructive jaundice, gallbladder stone, neoplasm or spasms.

1 ml Serum 1 ml K2, K3-EDTA or Li-Heparin Plasma Stability: 1 Day at 15-25 °C 7 Days at 2-8 °C 6 Months at (-15)-(-25) °C

Protect from Light. Assay immediately. Avoid lipemic and haemolysed samples.

Adults: Up to 1.2 mg/dL Up to 21 µmol/L Children: (≥ 1 Month): Up to 1.0 mg/dL Up to 17 µmol/L Age of newborn: 24 hours ≥ 8.0 mg/dL 48 hours ≥ 13.0 mg/dL 84 hours ≥ 17.0 mg/dL