Which statement about bilirubin handling is correct?

Which statement about bilirubin handling is correct?

• A. Bilirubin must be protected from light to prevent degradation.
• B. Bilirubin is stable in bright light.
• C. Bilirubin should be centrifuged before exposure to light.
• D. Bilirubin does not require special handling.

Answer: (A)

Bilirubin is highly photosensitive and will degrade when exposed to light. This photodegradation can change the bilirubin measured in a test, often producing falsely low results, which can mislead diagnosis or treatment decisions. Because of this, specimens containing bilirubin must be shielded from light during collection, transport, and processing—using amber tubes, wrapping in foil, or storing in a dark environment. Statements that say bilirubin is stable in bright light, that it only needs protection after centrifugation, or that no special handling is required do not fit how bilirubin behaves and can lead to inaccurate results.

Bilirubin is highly photosensitive and will degrade when exposed to light. This photodegradation can change the bilirubin measured in a test, often producing falsely low results, which can mislead diagnosis or treatment decisions. Because of this, specimens containing bilirubin must be shielded from light during collection, transport, and processing—using amber tubes, wrapping in foil, or storing in a dark environment. Statements that say bilirubin is stable in bright light, that it only needs protection after centrifugation, or that no special handling is required do not fit how bilirubin behaves and can lead to inaccurate results.