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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Bilirubin, Indirect (Unconjugated)
Indirect bilirubin is the unprocessed part of the pigment produced when red blood cells break down. It is usually assessed with total and direct bilirubin.
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 Indirect Bilirubin (Unconjugated) test measure?
Also called Unconjugated Bilirubin
The indirect fraction can help distinguish increased red cell breakdown from changes in how bilirubin is processed. Prior results are helpful when a mild rise has occurred before.
When it may be requested
Red cell turnover
Enhanced breakdown of red blood cells can increase unprocessed pigment.
A recurrent mild elevation
Past results can help a clinician assess a possible longstanding difference in bilirubin handling.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Avoid an unnecessarily prolonged fast, which can raise indirect bilirubin. Tell the team about recent illness, bruising or transfusion and give the fasting duration if another test required one.
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, Indirect (Unconjugated)
Reading your result
A predominantly indirect rise is considered alongside haemoglobin and signs of red cell turnover. A clinician may also consider common inherited differences in bilirubin handling.
What can affect it
- The result alone cannot distinguish red cell breakdown from an inherited difference in bilirubin processing.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testBilirubin, Indirect (Unconjugated)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Bilirubin, Indirect (Unconjugated) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Ask how the bilirubin fractions compare with your blood count and previous results, particularly if yellowing has occurred more than once.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
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Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
What does an isolated increase in indirect bilirubin mean?
It may reflect how quickly red cells break down or how the liver processes the pigment. The blood count and the other liver results help distinguish these possibilities.
What is the difference between direct and indirect bilirubin?
Indirect bilirubin is the pigment released from old red cells before the liver has processed it; direct bilirubin is the form after the liver has conjugated it for excretion in bile. A rise in the indirect fraction points towards red cell breakdown or slow conjugation, while a rise in the direct fraction points towards a liver or bile-flow problem.
Can G6PD deficiency or thalassaemia raise indirect bilirubin?
Yes. In G6PD deficiency, red cells can break down quickly after a trigger such as an infection or certain medicines, sending indirect bilirubin up. Some thalassaemias raise it through ineffective red cell production in the bone marrow. Both are relevant in the Gulf, and a blood count with a reticulocyte count helps your doctor tell them apart from Gilbert's syndrome.
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Ten liver markers from one blood sample: enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), bilirubin and liver proteins.
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A broad whole-body screen covering blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers.
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Your next step
Indirect Bilirubin (Unconjugated) 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.