Bilirubin test

Overview

Bilirubin testing checks for levels of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin (bil-ih-ROO-bin) is an orange-yellow substance made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver and is eventually excreted out of the body.

Higher than normal levels of bilirubin may indicate different types of liver problems. Occasionally, higher bilirubin levels may indicate an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis).

Why it's done

Bilirubin testing is usually done as part of a group of tests to check the health of your liver. Bilirubin testing may be done to:

• Investigate jaundice — elevated levels of bilirubin can cause yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice). A common use of the test is to measure bilirubin levels in newborns.
• Determine whether there might be blockage in your liver's bile ducts
• Help detect or monitor the progression of other liver disease, such as hepatitis
• Help detect increased destruction of red blood cells
• Help follow how a treatment is working
• Help evaluate suspected drug toxicity

Some common tests that might be done at the same time as bilirubin testing include:

• Liver function tests. A group of blood tests that measure certain enzymes or proteins in your blood.
• Albumin and total protein. Levels of albumin — a protein made by the liver — and total protein show how well your liver is making proteins that your body needs to fight infections and perform other functions.
• Complete blood count. This test measures several components and features of your blood.
• Prothrombin time. This test measures the clotting time of plasma.

What you can expect

During the test

Bilirubin testing is done using a blood sample. Usually, the blood is drawn through a small needle inserted into a vein in the bend of your arm. The needle is attached to a small tube, in which your blood is collected.

You may feel a quick pain as the needle is inserted into your arm and experience some short-term discomfort at the site after the needle is removed. Blood for bilirubin testing in newborns is usually obtained using a sharp lance to break the skin of the heel (heel stick). There may be slight bruising at the puncture site afterward.

Your blood will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You can usually return to normal activities immediately.

Results

Bilirubin test results are expressed as direct, indirect or total bilirubin. Total is a combination of direct and indirect bilirubin. Typically, you'll get results for direct and total bilirubin.

Normal results for a bilirubin test are 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of total bilirubin for adults, and usually 1 mg/dL for those under 18. Normal results for direct bilirubin are generally 0.3 mg/dL.

These results may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. Normal results may be slightly different for women and children, and results may be affected by certain foods, medications or strenuous exercise. Be sure to tell your doctor about any foods or medications you've taken and your activity levels so that your results can be interpreted correctly.

Lower than normal bilirubin levels are usually not a concern. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage or disease.

Higher than normal levels of direct bilirubin in your blood may indicate your liver isn't clearing bilirubin properly. Elevated levels of indirect bilirubin may indicate other problems.

One common, and harmless, cause of elevated bilirubin is Gilbert's syndrome, a deficiency in an enzyme that helps break down bilirubin. Your doctor may order further tests to investigate your condition. Bilirubin test results also may be used to monitor the progression of certain conditions such as jaundice.