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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Bilirubin, Total
Total bilirubin combines the processed and unprocessed forms of a pigment released as the body recycles red blood cells.
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 Total Bilirubin test measure?
Also called Total Bilirubin
Total bilirubin provides a starting point when jaundice is suspected or a clinician is monitoring an established liver condition.
When it may be requested
Visible yellowing
The measurement quantifies circulating bilirubin when the skin or the whites of the eyes appear yellow.
Monitoring an existing condition
Previous totals and fractions can show whether a known liver or blood problem is changing.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Drink water as usual. If an accompanying test requires fasting, keep to the instructed interval rather than extending it; prolonged fasting can raise bilirubin.
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, Total
Reading your result
An increased total can come from either fraction or from both. Comparing its components avoids treating every elevated total as the same liver problem.
What can affect it
- A total does not distinguish direct and indirect bilirubin.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testBilirubin, Total
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Bilirubin, Total in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
If the total is elevated, ask whether a fractionated bilirubin result is already available before arranging another test.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why might I need a breakdown of the total?
Two people can have the same total for different reasons. Knowing which fraction is raised helps the clinician decide whether to focus on red cells, the liver or bile flow.
Does a raised bilirubin always mean liver disease?
No. It can also reflect faster red-cell turnover or a benign inherited variation such as Gilbert's syndrome, and it can rise briefly after a long fast or an acute illness. The fractions and the rest of the liver panel are what separate these possibilities.
My eyes have turned yellow. Should I wait for a bilirubin test?
Seek urgent medical advice if the whites of your eyes or your skin have newly turned yellow. Tell the clinician if your urine has become unusually dark or your stools unusually pale. The cause matters even before there is a result.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
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
Explore package
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
Total 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.