Bilirubin, Direct

Code

0635

Principle

Red blood cells at the end of their circulating life are broken down in the reticuloendothelial system, mainly the spleen. The resulting heme, once the iron is removed, is then converted to bilirubin. This process accounts for about 80% of the 500 μmol (300 mg) of bilirubin formed daily. Other sources of bilirubin include the breakdown of myoglobin and cytochromes and the catabolism of immature red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Once formed, bilirubin is transported to the liver bound to albumin. This fraction of bilirubin is referred to as indirect or unconjugated bilirubin.

Preanalytical

1 mL Serum Refrigerated

Turn Around Time

1 day

Methodology

Diazo Reaction