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Bilirubin in Amniotic Fluid

Amniotic Fluid Analysis for Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, Amniotic Fluid Spectural Analysis, Liley Test

Test Codes

Order Reference Lab Send Out Miscellaneous, EPIC: LAB848, Beaker: Ref Misc, MAYO: BFBL

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 1.0 mL amniotic fluid in a sterile collection container. Transfer tp amber vial to protect from light. (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Protect specimen from light after collection. 

Gestational age at time of amniocentesis is required.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Protect specimen from light. Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) until transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Light-protected amniotic fluid in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens not protected from light.
• Grossly hemolyzed specimen.
• Grossly lipemic specimen.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Protect specimen from light. Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: Light-protected amniotic fluid in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Light Protected
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 70 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday – Sunday.
Results available in 1-2 days.

Reference Range

Reference values are dependent on duration of pregnancy.

Test Methodology

Photometric, Diazonium Salt

Interpretation

Bilirubin may be measured in other fluids although the decision limits are not well defined in fluids other than pleural fluid. Fluid to serum bilirubin ratios are expected to be less than or equal to 1.0 and should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings.

Clinical Utility

Maternal RBC antibodies may cause hemolytic disease in the fetus and neonate. The level of bilirubin in amniotic fluid is proportional to the degree of hemolysis and is therefore used to assess the developing fetus.

CPT Codes

82247
LOINC 1974-5

Contacts

Last Updated

4/17/2025