Bilirubin is a waste product produced from the breakdown of haem. A high cord blood bilirubin concentration in neonates may be predictive of the development of clinically significant jaundice.
Department
Core Biochemistry
Delphic Registration Code
CBBL
Synonyms
Cord Blood Bilirubin
Turnaround Time
3 hours
Test Code
3012
Specimen Type
Serum
Plasma
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
Serum (Red Cap)
SST II (Gold Cap)
Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
4.5
No of Samples Required
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
Serum (Red Cap)
SST II (Gold Cap)
Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Additional Specimen Information
Protect sample from light.
Aliquot Instructions
Sample Type
Serum
Plasma
Minimum Volume (ml)
0.1
Interpretation
Neonatal jaundice is common, although physiological (benign) jaundice does not develop until >24 hours of life. Jaundice at birth (reflected by an elevated cord blood bilirubin) is indicative of a pathological cause and warrants further investigation.
There is some evidence that even relatively mild elevations of cord blood bilirubin at birth may indicate a higher risk of requiring phototherapy in the coming days.
