Total Bilirubin
Private Total Bilirubin testing in London for £48, measuring one liver and red-cell breakdown marker with results in around 1–2 days.
Turnaround time
1-2 business days
Biomarkers count
3
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Overview of the Total Bilirubin Test
The Total Bilirubin blood test measures the total amount of bilirubin circulating in the blood, including both unconjugated and conjugated forms.
The test assesses 1 liver and blood-breakdown marker: Total Bilirubin.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed during the normal breakdown of haemoglobin from ageing red blood cells.
The initial form is known as unconjugated or indirect bilirubin.
It circulates to the liver bound to Albumin.
Liver cells then process bilirubin into a water-soluble conjugated form, commonly called direct bilirubin.
Conjugated bilirubin is secreted into bile and eventually passes through the gastrointestinal tract.
Total Bilirubin combines these fractions into one overall measurement.
An elevated result can occur for several different reasons.
Increased red blood cell breakdown can generate more bilirubin than usual.
Liver-cell disease can impair bilirubin processing.
Bile-duct obstruction or cholestasis can reduce normal excretion.
A common benign condition called Gilbert's syndrome can also cause intermittent mild elevation of unconjugated bilirubin, particularly during fasting, dehydration, illness or stress.
The Total Bilirubin result alone cannot distinguish all of these mechanisms.
Where the result is raised, a Direct and Indirect Bilirubin measurement can provide more detailed information.
Other liver markers, including ALT, AST, Alkaline Phosphatase and Gamma-Glutamyltransferase, can help establish the overall biochemical pattern.
Where haemolysis is suspected, Full Blood Count, Reticulocyte Count, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Haptoglobin can provide complementary information.
What Does the Total Bilirubin Test Check?
The test measures the combined concentration of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin in the blood. This test measures 1 biomarker.
Total Bilirubin
Measures the total circulating bilirubin produced during red blood cell breakdown and processed through the liver and biliary system, supporting assessment of jaundice, liver function, bile flow and haemolysis.
Who May Benefit From the Total Bilirubin Test?
Total Bilirubin testing can be useful during liver assessment, investigation of jaundice or evaluation of a previous abnormal result.
People with yellowing of the skin or eyes - Jaundice occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the body.
People with a previous raised Bilirubin result - Repeat measurement can determine whether elevation persists or fluctuates.
People undergoing liver-function assessment - Bilirubin is one of the principal routine liver-related laboratory markers.
People with suspected Gilbert's syndrome - Intermittent isolated unconjugated Bilirubin elevation can occur with this benign inherited condition.
People with possible bile-duct obstruction - Cholestasis can cause conjugated Bilirubin to rise.
People with suspected increased red blood cell breakdown - Haemolysis can increase bilirubin production.
People with known liver disease under monitoring - Bilirubin can contribute to assessment of disease severity and progression.
People taking medicines requiring liver monitoring - Bilirubin can be measured alongside other liver markers where appropriate.
How to Prepare
Do not deliberately fast or dehydrate yourself before testing.
These factors can increase unconjugated Bilirubin in people with Gilbert's syndrome and complicate comparison with previous results.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Total Bilirubin Test
Bilirubin abnormalities can produce visible jaundice or may be found incidentally during routine blood testing.
Yellowing of the eyes or skin - Elevated bilirubin can produce jaundice.
Dark urine - Conjugated bilirubin entering the urine can darken its colour.
Pale stools - Reduced bile flow into the intestine can make stools unusually pale.
Right upper abdominal discomfort - Liver or biliary conditions can cause abdominal symptoms.
A previous isolated raised Bilirubin result - Repeat testing can help identify a persistent or intermittent pattern.
Anaemia or suspected haemolysis - Increased red blood cell breakdown can raise unconjugated bilirubin.
Abnormal liver-function tests - Bilirubin adds information about liver processing and bile excretion.
Illness or fasting associated with previous bilirubin elevation - Gilbert's syndrome can become more apparent during physiological stress.
Significant jaundice, severe abdominal pain, fever with jaundice, confusion or rapidly worsening illness requires prompt clinical assessment.
Total Bilirubin alone cannot determine whether an abnormal result originates from red-cell breakdown, liver processing or biliary obstruction.
How to Book Your Total Bilirubin Test
The Total Bilirubin test can be booked privately for focused assessment of bilirubin metabolism.
Choose the Total Bilirubin
Select the individual Total Bilirubin blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where suitable.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum undergoes measurement of Total Bilirubin.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside wider liver or haemolysis markers where appropriate.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current live London Blood Tests page lists a turnaround of approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt for Total Bilirubin.
This is a routinely processed biochemistry measurement.
The sample undergoes laboratory analysis, quality-control procedures and result authorisation.
Turnaround begins when the laboratory receives the specimen rather than necessarily from the exact time of collection.
Understanding Your Results
A raised Total Bilirubin result indicates an increased concentration of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
The next question is why.
Predominantly unconjugated elevation can occur with Gilbert's syndrome, haemolysis or other disorders affecting bilirubin processing.
Predominantly conjugated elevation can occur where the liver has processed bilirubin but excretion through bile is impaired.
A Direct and Indirect Bilirubin test can help distinguish these patterns.
The wider liver profile is also important.
Raised ALP and GGT can suggest cholestatic or bile-duct involvement.
ALT and AST provide information about liver-cell injury.
Where red-cell destruction is suspected, Haemoglobin, Reticulocytes, LDH and Haptoglobin can provide additional information.
A low Bilirubin result is generally not considered clinically significant.
The laboratory's reference range and the overall biochemical pattern should guide interpretation.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private Total Bilirubin testing for focused liver, biliary and red-cell breakdown assessment.
Measures total circulating Bilirubin - The test captures both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin together.
Useful in jaundice assessment - Elevated Bilirubin is responsible for yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Relevant to liver and bile flow - Abnormal processing or excretion can increase the result.
Can provide information about haemolysis - Increased red-cell breakdown can raise unconjugated Bilirubin.
Can be followed by Bilirubin fractionation - Direct and Indirect Bilirubin can provide more detailed information where Total Bilirubin is elevated.
Rapid laboratory turnaround - Results are expected approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt.
Professional blood collection - Clinic and suitable home or hotel phlebotomy appointments are available.
Clear pricing - The Total Bilirubin test costs £48.
Private Total Bilirubin Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Total Bilirubin testing for people requiring focused assessment of bilirubin metabolism.
The test costs £48 and measures 1 biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt.
An elevated result can arise from red-cell breakdown, liver processing or impaired bile flow and may require additional fractionated Bilirubin or liver testing.