Description

Bilirubin testing determines the amount of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced during red blood cell breakdown. Bilirubin is excreted from the body after passing through the liver.

Bilirubin levels that are higher than normal may indicate various types of liver or bile duct issues. Higher bilirubin levels can be caused by an increased rate of red blood cell destruction.

Bilirubin testing can be performed to:

• Investigate jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by high bilirubin levels. This test is frequently used to determine bilirubin levels in newborns suffering from infant jaundice.
• Determine whether your bile ducts, either in the liver or the gallbladder, are blocked.
• Aid in the detection or monitoring of liver disease, particularly hepatitis.
• Assist in the evaluation of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells.
• Assist in tracking the effectiveness of a treatment.
• Assist in the evaluation of a suspected drug toxicity.