A bilirubin test is a laboratory test used to measure the levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. The liver then processes and excretes bilirubin through the bile, which is ultimately eliminated from the body as feces.
The test is usually ordered to evaluate liver function and to diagnose conditions that affect the liver, such as jaundice, liver disease, and hemolytic anemia. The test can also be used to monitor the progression of certain liver diseases and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
There are two types of bilirubin: unconjugated and conjugated. Unconjugated bilirubin is the type that is not yet processed by the liver. It is also known as indirect bilirubin. Conjugated bilirubin, on the other hand, is the type that has been processed by the liver and is also known as direct bilirubin.
The bilirubin test measures the total amount of bilirubin in the blood, as well as the levels of unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin. The normal range for total bilirubin is between 0.3 and 1.9 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), with unconjugated bilirubin levels usually less than 1 mg/dL and conjugated bilirubin levels usually less than 0.3 mg/dL.
Abnormal levels of bilirubin can indicate various conditions. High levels of unconjugated bilirubin can indicate conditions such as hemolytic anemia, which is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them, or Gilbert’s syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that affects the liver’s ability to process bilirubin. High levels of conjugated bilirubin can indicate conditions such as cholestasis, which is a blockage in the bile ducts that can cause bile to build up in the liver.
In summary, the bilirubin test is a simple blood test that can provide important information about liver function and diagnose various conditions related to liver function. It is a routine part of many medical check-ups and can help physicians monitor the progression of liver disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
