Bilirubin, total

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Test Name:

Bilirubin, total

Ordering Information:

Collection Device/Tube Type:

1. EDM Base Lab: 5 mL blood - GOLD SST (gel)
2. CGY DSC: 4.5 mL blood - MINT LIHEP PST (gel)
3. NOTE: The preferred tube type at each testing site is acceptable at the alternate site

Collection Instructions:

Neonatal bilirubin testing referred to Alberta Precision Laboratories

Submission Requirements:

1 mL serum or lithium heparin plasma
* Protect from light

Specimens for patients less than or equal to 5 months of age (neonatal and infant):
• Protect from light - collect in GOLD SST amber microtainer, MINT LIHEP PST with amber sleeve or cover from light

Specimens for patients greater than 5 months of age:
• Protect from light during storage and transport (keep in closed box or dark fridge)

Handling/Storage Comments:

North Zone non-PSC sites - transport refrigerated

Frequency of Testing:

Daily

Reference Range:

Test	Age	Reference Range (umol/L)
Bilirubin, total	0 to < 30 days	No reference interval
Bilirubin, total	≥ 30 days	< 20

Critical Values:

0 to <30 days: greater than 300 umol/L

Comments:

NOTES:
For children, aged 7 days to 5 months, with a total or neonatal bilirubin result greater than 20 umol/L, direct (conjugated) bilirubin and percentage of direct (conjugated) bilirubin are reported

The following comment is appended to the results when the percentage of conjugated bilirubin is greater than or equal to 20%:
"In infants direct (conjugated) hyperbilirubinemia (the direct [conjugated] bilirubin fraction of bilirubin greater than or equal to 20% of the total or neonatal bilirubin) is pathologic. Prompt evaluation is necessary especially to assess for Biliary Atresia. Consider referral to pediatric gastroenterologist."

Last Reviewed:

03 May 2023

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