Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. It is found in the bile and is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin. A bilirubin blood test measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood. It is used to diagnose liver and gallbladder diseases, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
What do bilirubin levels in your blood indicate?
Bilirubin levels in your blood can indicate a variety of conditions, including liver disease, gallbladder disease, and anemia. High levels of bilirubin can also indicate a blockage in the bile ducts, which can lead to jaundice.
What causes high bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinemia)?
High bilirubin levels can be caused by a variety of conditions, including liver disease, gallbladder disease, anemia, and blockage of the bile ducts.
What does bilirubin do in your body?
Bilirubin helps to break down and remove old red blood cells from the body. It is also involved in the metabolism of fats and proteins.
What happens during a bilirubin blood test?
During a bilirubin blood test, a sample of your blood is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will measure the amount of bilirubin in your blood and report the results to your doctor.
What type of results will I get and what do the results mean?
The results of a bilirubin blood test will indicate the amount of bilirubin in your blood. Normal levels of bilirubin are typically between 0.3 and 1.9 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High levels of bilirubin can indicate a variety of conditions, including liver disease, gallbladder disease, and anemia.
Direct vs. indirect bilirubin (or conjugated vs. unconjugated)
Bilirubin is divided into two types: direct (or conjugated) and indirect (or unconjugated). Direct bilirubin is a type of bilirubin that is soluble in water and can be easily removed from the body. Indirect bilirubin is a type of bilirubin that is insoluble in water and must be converted to direct bilirubin before it can be removed from the body.
At what level is bilirubin a concern?
Bilirubin levels that are higher than normal can be a cause for concern. If your bilirubin levels are higher than normal, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause.
What level of bilirubin is dangerous?
Bilirubin levels that are significantly higher than normal can be dangerous. High levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice, which can lead to serious complications.
What does it mean when your bilirubin is high?
High levels of bilirubin can indicate a variety of conditions, including liver disease, gallbladder disease, and anemia. Your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause of your high bilirubin levels.
If my test results are abnormal, what happens next?
If your test results are abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause of your high bilirubin levels. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor may recommend a course of treatment.
What is the treatment for high bilirubin in newborns?
Treatment for high bilirubin in newborns typically involves phototherapy, which is a type of light therapy that helps to break down the bilirubin in the baby’s blood.
How do you lower your own bilirubin levels?
The best way to lower your own bilirubin levels is to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Your doctor may also recommend medications to help lower your bilirubin levels.
What is a bilirubin urine test?
A bilirubin urine test measures the amount of bilirubin in your urine. This test is typically used to diagnose liver and gallbladder diseases, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Bilirubin blood test. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bilirubin-blood-test/about/pac-20384717
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Bilirubin. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/liver-problems/bilirubin
3. American Liver Foundation. (2020). Bilirubin. Retrieved from https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/bilirubin/
4. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. (2020). Bilirubin. Retrieved from https://labtestsonline.org/tests/bilirubin
5. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Phototherapy for newborns. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Phototherapy-for-Newborns.aspx
Keywords: bilirubin, blood test, liver disease, gallbladder disease, anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, phototherapy, healthy diet, exercise, medications.