What's this test for?

This test is ideal if a newborn is showing signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. It helps check whether the yellow color is coming from a buildup of direct (conjugated) bilirubin, which can point to a blockage or problem with how the liver processes bilirubin rather than the more common newborn jaundice. It's often used when jaundice appears longer than expected or seems more severe than usual.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with the normal reference range so you can see exactly where the value falls. If the level is elevated, next steps usually involve prompt medical attention since newborn jaundice from a blocked bile duct or liver issue can escalate quickly, so seek medical care right away if a value is flagged as high. You can download a standard lab report straight from your account, and if repeat testing is needed, the trends feature lets you track bilirubin changes over time.

Who should consider this test?

Parents or caregivers of a newborn with visible yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially if it appears within the first day of life or lasts longer than two weeks, should consider this test. It's also useful if a baby's jaundice seems to be getting worse instead of improving, or if stool color changes to pale or clay-colored, which can suggest a blockage. Babies born early or with a difficult delivery are sometimes at higher risk and may benefit from this check.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for yellow skin or eyes that start on the face and spread downward, dark urine, or pale/clay-colored stools in a newborn. Extreme sleepiness, poor feeding, or a baby who is hard to wake up alongside yellowing skin are also signs worth checking. If jaundice lasts beyond two weeks of age, it's a good reason to test.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days from when the sample is collected at the lab. Because newborn jaundice can sometimes need fast action, if there's visible worsening of symptoms before results are back, seek medical care right away rather than waiting. Once ready, your results are posted directly to your online account.

What is direct bilirubin and why does it matter?

Bilirubin is a yellow substance made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Direct (or conjugated) bilirubin is the form that's already been processed by the liver and is ready to be removed from the body, so when it builds up, it often points to a problem with the liver or bile ducts rather than normal newborn jaundice. Tracking this number helps tell the difference between common, harmless newborn jaundice and something that needs closer attention.

What does high direct bilirubin mean?

A high direct bilirubin level in a newborn can mean the liver isn't clearing bilirubin properly or that something is blocking the bile ducts. This is different from the more common type of newborn jaundice and usually needs prompt follow-up. Seek medical care quickly if this value is elevated, since early attention leads to better outcomes.

What causes high direct bilirubin in newborns?

Causes can include blocked or underdeveloped bile ducts (a condition called biliary atresia), infections, certain genetic conditions, or liver inflammation. Some cases are linked to how the liver is functioning shortly after birth as it adjusts to processing bilirubin outside the womb. Because the causes vary widely, an elevated result is best treated as a signal to seek prompt medical care rather than something to interpret on its own.

How often should I retest?

If an initial result is normal but jaundice symptoms continue or worsen, retesting within a few days can help track the trend. For babies being monitored for improving jaundice, your account's trends feature makes it easy to log follow-up tests and watch the numbers over time. If a result was elevated and medical care was sought, follow the retesting schedule recommended during that care.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If direct bilirubin comes back high, seek medical care promptly, especially if the baby also shows pale stools, dark urine, poor feeding, or extreme sleepiness. Keep a record of when jaundice started and how it has changed, since this information is useful for quick evaluation. Continue tracking future results in your account so any pattern of change is easy to see.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Neonatal Direct Bilirubin Test - Newborn Jaundice Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]