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Bilirubin, Total, Body Fluid
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Approval req'd? | No |
| Available Stat? | Yes |
| Test code | BILTBF |
| Test group | Bilirubin |
| Performed by | Parnassus Chemistry |
| In House Availability | Continuous daily. |
| Method | Spectrophotometric (diazo) |
| Collection Instructions | Wrap collection tube in foil to protect from light |
| Container type | Red top or clean container |
| Amount to Collect | 5 ml fluid |
| Sample type | Body fluid |
| Preferred volume | 1 mL fluid |
| Min. Volume | 0.2 mL fluid |
| Units | mg/dL |
| Normal range | |
| Turn around times | Stat: 1 hour, Routine: 4 hours |
| Additional information | To convert mg/dL to µmol/L (SI units) multiply by 17.1. Hemolysis may artifactually increase the result; lipemia may decrease the result. Body fluid bilirubin levels are sometimes used to investigate the possibility of bile leaks or bile peritonitis. Although there are no reference ranges available, one recent study suggests that a ratio of the bilirubin concentration in Jackson Pratt drain fluid to the bilirubin concentration in serum of greater than 5.0 is indicative of a bile leak. Darwin, PE, Goldberg, EM, and Uradomo, LT. (2008). Jackson Pratt Drain Fluid to Serum Bilirubin Concentration Ratio for the Diagnosis of Bile Leaks. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 67(5): AB159. Ascitic fluid bilirubin levels have also been examined in patients with various forms of ascites. An ascitic fluid bilirubin concentration greater than 6 mg/dL and an ascitic fluid to serum bilirubin ratio of greater than 1.0 appears to be consistent with bile peritonitis. Runyon, BA. (1987). Ascitic fluid bilirubin concentration as a key to choleperitoneum. J Clin Gastroenterol 9(5): 543-545. |
| Last Updated | 3/24/2013 8:15:31 PM |
| Entry Number | 1212 |
| Lab Procedure Link | Click here for Procedure |
If you have additional questions regarding this test, please call: 415-353-1667