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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Bilirubin, Direct
Direct bilirubin is the pigment the liver has processed so that the body can clear it in bile. Its share of the total helps explain jaundice.
Price for this test on its ownAED 115Test price AED 15
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Direct Bilirubin test measure?
Also called Conjugated Bilirubin
Separating direct from total bilirubin can help investigate yellow eyes, jaundice or an unexpected change in a liver panel.
When it may be requested
Jaundice
Measuring the processed fraction helps explain which form accounts for an increased total.
Bile drainage
A rise can be one clue to impaired drainage. Other liver results and, sometimes, imaging supply context.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
No fast is needed for direct bilirubin alone. Follow the instructions for any accompanying tests and tell the clinician about medicines or supplements that may affect the liver.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideBilirubin, Direct
Reading your result
An increased direct fraction can occur when the liver has processed pigment but its passage into bile is affected. The result does not distinguish all causes of that change.
What can affect it
- A raised direct fraction alone cannot locate or diagnose an obstruction.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testBilirubin, Direct
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Bilirubin, Direct in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Look at the direct fraction next to total bilirubin. Mention any change in eye colour, urine or stool to the clinician.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
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Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why are direct and total bilirubin often compared?
A rise dominated by processed pigment suggests a different set of possibilities from a rise in unprocessed pigment. Liver enzymes and symptoms help the clinician choose the next investigation.
Why does my urine darken when this result is high?
The conjugated form dissolves in water, so the kidneys can filter it into urine. That is why a raised direct bilirubin often shows as tea-coloured urine before the skin looks yellow.
What does a high direct bilirubin mean?
A high direct bilirubin means the liver has processed bilirubin but it is not leaving in bile as it should. It points towards a bile duct blocked by gallstones, a narrowing or a tumour, or towards liver cell inflammation from hepatitis, alcohol, cirrhosis or a medicine reaction. Pale stools or dark urine alongside it make a bile flow problem more likely.
KEEP EXPLORING
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Liver Profile
Ten liver markers from one blood sample: enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), bilirubin and liver proteins.
- biomarkers
- 10
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 89
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Basic Health Checkup
Blood count, liver, kidney, cholesterol, blood sugar and urine tests: the essentials in one visit.
- biomarkers
- 63
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
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Advanced Health Checkup
A broad whole-body screen covering blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers.
- biomarkers
- 72
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 299
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Executive Health Checkup
A whole-body screen of blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers, plus thyroid function and a full…
- biomarkers
- 77
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 429
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Your next step
Direct Bilirubin test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.