Bilirubin (total)
What it measures, and what changes the number.
Total bilirubin measures all the bilirubin in the blood, both the unconjugated form made when red blood cells are broken down and the conjugated form that the liver has processed for removal in bile.
It is usually ordered as part of a liver panel with direct bilirubin, ALT, AST and ALP. Reading it next to direct bilirubin shows how much is in each form, and the enzymes help place it in the wider context of liver and bile duct function. A urine bilirubin result may also appear on the same report.
Several things change the number. Bilirubin is broken down by light, so samples are best kept covered. Haemolysis in the tube can interfere with some methods. Prolonged fasting can raise bilirubin in some people, so the timing of the last meal can matter. Labs may print it as Bilirrubina total or Bilirubina total.
Often read alongside: Bilirubin (direct), ALT, AST, ALP, Urine bilirubin