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Bilirubin (Direct) Blood Test Kit

£35 ✓ In Stock

What's covered in the price: Laboratory-supplied test kit with sample collection materials and prepaid return packaging. Results turnaround varies by test — see the estimated turnaround time shown above.
Results ready within 3 working days

Your sample goes to a UKAS accredited laboratory meeting ISO 15189 standards.

Date of birth required

After you receive your order confirmation email, please reply with your date of birth.

Blood sample
Clinic visit
(phlebotomy charges apply)
CQC registered Accredited UK labs ISO 15189

How it works

Your testing journey

From order to results in four simple steps. Full transparency on where each step happens and what it costs.

1
Medi Test Direct kit delivered by post

Receive your kit by post

Dispatched same working day if ordered before 3pm. Royal Mail Tracked delivery, typically 1–3 working days. 90% of kits arrive within 24 hours.

2
Clinic sample collection

Visit a partner clinic

Book a phlebotomy appointment at one of our 365+ UK partner clinics. Take your kit with you — the phlebotomist will collect your sample using the materials provided.

Phlebotomy fee applies (paid at clinic)
3
Venous blood draw at a clinic

Venous blood draw at a clinic

A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using the vacutainers provided in your kit. The appointment takes around 10 minutes.

4
Return sample by prepaid envelope

Return by prepaid envelope

Seal your sample in the biohazard bag provided and drop it in any Royal Mail postbox using the prepaid Tracked 24 envelope. Post Monday–Thursday for best results.

Bilirubin is a yellow-orange pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Direct bilirubin (also called conjugated bilirubin) is the form that has been processed by the liver and is ready for excretion through bile into the intestines. Measuring direct bilirubin specifically helps identify whether elevated bilirubin is due to liver disease or bile duct obstruction, rather than excessive red blood cell breakdown.

This test is ideal for anyone investigating jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), monitoring known liver conditions, following up on abnormal liver function results, or experiencing symptoms such as dark urine, pale stools, or abdominal pain that may suggest bile duct problems. It's particularly useful when total bilirubin is elevated and further investigation is needed to identify the cause.

What's covered in the price: You receive a venous blood collection kit and professional laboratory analysis. Because this test requires a venous blood draw, you'll need to arrange collection with a qualified phlebotomist—either at a clinic near you or through your own arrangements. A phlebotomy fee may apply separately. Your results will be ready within 3 working days.

Venous Blood Collection Kit

This kit is sent to you and taken to your chosen clinic. The phlebotomist will collect your sample using the materials provided.

  1. 1Vacutainer blood collection tubes
  2. 2Needle and butterfly needle
  3. 3Tourniquet
  4. 4Alcohol swab
  5. 5Cotton wool and gauze
  6. 6Adhesive plaster
  7. 7Biohazard specimen bag
  8. 8Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  9. 9Laboratory request form
  10. 10Instructions for the phlebotomist
Timing: This test can be taken at any time of day. No fasting is required. Medications: Continue taking your regular medications as prescribed. Some medications can affect bilirubin levels—make sure to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking when discussing your results. Recent Illness: If you've recently been unwell with an infection or other illness, consider waiting 1-2 weeks after recovery before testing, as illness can temporarily affect liver markers. Understanding Direct vs Total Bilirubin: This test measures direct (conjugated) bilirubin only—the form processed by the liver. Elevated direct bilirubin typically indicates a problem with the liver itself or with bile flow (such as bile duct obstruction from gallstones). If you need a comprehensive assessment of bilirubin metabolism, consider a test that includes both total and direct bilirubin, or a full liver function panel. About Bilirubin: Bilirubin is produced when haemoglobin from old red blood cells breaks down. It's transported to the liver, where it's conjugated (processed) and excreted in bile. Direct bilirubin is water-soluble and can be excreted by the kidneys when elevated, which is why obstructive jaundice causes dark urine.

Direct bilirubin (also called conjugated bilirubin) is the water-soluble form of bilirubin that has been processed by the liver. When red blood cells break down at the end of their lifespan, the haemoglobin is converted to unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin, which is transported to the liver bound to albumin. In the liver, bilirubin is conjugated with glucuronic acid, making it water-soluble and ready for excretion in bile. Elevated direct bilirubin indicates that the liver has successfully processed bilirubin but cannot excrete it properly. This pattern is seen in hepatocellular disease (where liver cells are damaged and cannot excrete conjugated bilirubin into bile) and in cholestatic or obstructive conditions (where bile flow is blocked, causing conjugated bilirubin to back up into the bloodstream). Common causes include hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction from gallstones or tumours, primary biliary cholangitis, and drug-induced liver injury. Because direct bilirubin is water-soluble, when levels are elevated it can be excreted by the kidneys, causing dark "tea-coloured" urine—a classic sign of obstructive jaundice. This contrasts with conditions causing elevated indirect bilirubin (such as haemolysis), where urine colour remains normal. Results outside the normal range should be discussed with your GP for further evaluation.

Medical Disclaimer

This test is for screening and information only — it is not a medical diagnosis or professional advice. Please have your results reviewed by a qualified doctor or healthcare provider who can explain what they mean for your personal health situation. If your results show anything outside the normal range, or if you're worried about your health, see your doctor as soon as you can. Don't change any medications or treatments based on these results alone — always talk to your healthcare provider first.

NO CLINICS, NO QUEUES, NO HASSLE

Four steps to clarity

Pick your panel 01

Pick your panel

Browse over 200 clinically designed test kits and choose the one that fits your goals.

Kit to your door 02

Kit to your door

Everything you need arrives in discreet packaging with step-by-step instructions inside.

Collect your sample 03

Collect your sample

Follow the simple instructions in your kit — whether it's a finger-prick at home or a venous draw at a partner clinic.

Insights delivered 04

Insights delivered

Clear, easy-to-understand results sent to you online with actionable health guidance.

Frequently asked questions

This test measures Bilirubin (Direct / Conjugated). Check the full biomarker list on this page for details.

Check Special Instructions on this page. General rule: fast 8-12 hours if cholesterol/glucose/insulin included. Most hormone, vitamin, and antibody tests do not require fasting. Morning collection (7-10am) preferred.

Follow kit instructions. Finger-prick: warm hands, use lancet as directed, fill tube to marked line. Venous: attend phlebotomy with lab form. Post same day, avoid Fridays/bank holidays.

Within the timeframe shown on this page. Notification sent when ready to view online.

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