A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Bilirubin, Total

All the bilirubin in your blood, measured from one blood draw.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
1 to 2 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

Total bilirubin measures all the bilirubin in your blood. It is a yellow pigment made as old red blood cells break down, then cleared by the liver. When it builds up, it can cause yellowing of the skin or eyes. It is often read with other liver tests, and no fasting is needed.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

This test is for adults checking how the body handles bilirubin, following up on a past result, or looking at liver health together with other tests and a healthcare provider.

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your result shows the combined level of processed and unprocessed bilirubin, which can help a healthcare provider decide whether to look at the two forms separately.

Bilirubin, total
Bilirubin is a yellow substance made when old red blood cells break down. Your liver processes it and sends it out in bile. Total bilirubin includes both the processed and unprocessed forms. A higher level can relate to the liver, the bile ducts, or faster breakdown of red blood cells.
Why it’s measured: Reflects how bilirubin from old red blood cells is made and cleared.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 1 to 2 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

Total bilirubin is reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and shown next to the lab’s reference range for comparison.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

A result above the range has several possible causes. A healthcare provider can explain it and whether splitting it into its two forms would help.

Direct, total, or both?

Three bilirubin tests that answer slightly different questions.

Total

All the bilirubin in your blood, both forms combined.

Measures
Processed and unprocessed bilirubin together
Useful for
A first look, often with other liver tests
Preparation
None

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

Bilirubin can rise if red blood cells break down faster than usual, if the liver is not processing it as usual, or if bile is not flowing as it should.

A slightly higher bilirubin does not always mean a liver problem. Looking at the direct and indirect forms helps a healthcare provider tell which applies.

Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes is called jaundice. See a healthcare provider about it promptly rather than waiting on a test result, especially if you also have dark urine, pale stools, or feel unwell. This test can be part of the follow-⁠up, but it does not replace being seen.

Total bilirubin combines two forms, so a high result does not show which one is raised or why. It is also one piece of a liver workup, not a check of everything the liver does. A healthcare provider may suggest direct bilirubin or a liver panel to learn more.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.