A robust procedure for the automated measurement of total serum bilirubin using potassium ferricyanide.

Bilirubin is oxidized to biliverdin by 1.0 mmol/L potassium ferricyanide in the presence of caffeine. The absorbance decline at 480 nm with blanking at 660 nm is proportional to bilirubin concentration. The assay is linear up to 1000 mumol/L and is suitable for the measurement of bilirubin in adult and neonatal patients. The assay is accurate and precise and is not significantly affected by haemolysis up to 5.0 g/L haemoglobin. Reagents and calibration are stable for at least 3 months.