Bilirubin Total (Direct & Indirect) Test

The Bilirubin Total test checks the amount of a yellow pigment in the blood. This pigment, called bilirubin, is created when red blood cells break down. The test helps see how well the liver is working and detects issues affecting the liver or blood. Bilirubin comes in two forms: indirect (not processed) and direct (processed). The total bilirubin measurement includes both.

Bilirubin (Total, Direct & Indirect) Test Overview

The amount of bilirubin in the blood is determined with a bilirubin test. Red blood cells decompose to create bilirubin, a yellow pigment. Direct and indirect bilirubin are the two varieties.

A total bilirubin test calculates the combined amount of direct and indirect bilirubin in the blood. Only the amounts of direct and indirect bilirubin are measured by a direct bilirubin test and an indirect bilirubin test, respectively.

The test is typically requested when a patient exhibits jaundice signs, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, or when a medical professional has a suspicion that the patient may be suffering from liver or gallbladder illness. As a follow-up to an abnormal liver function test or as part of a standard physical examination, the test may also be prescribed. Additionally, tests may be administered to individuals who have a family history of liver disease or who are at risk for liver disease as a result of specific medical problems or lifestyle choices.

A diagnosis and suggested course of therapy can be made by the healthcare professional with the aid of the test findings, additional laboratory test results, and a patient's symptoms.

Why is Bilirubin (Total, Direct & Indirect) Test Done?

The bilirubin test is often used to evaluate liver health, make diagnoses, and monitor gallbladder and liver conditions. Bilirubin is a substance that is created as a result of red blood cell lysis. When the liver or gallbladder is diseased, bilirubin can build up in the blood and cause jaundice because it is typically digested by the liver and removed in the bile (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

The test can assist determine the source of jaundice by calculating the quantity of bilirubin in the blood. Haemolytic anemia, gallbladder illness, liver disease, and other disorders can all be indicated by elevated bilirubin levels.

Total, direct, and indirect bilirubin are the three forms of bilirubin that the test measures. Every one of these bilirubin varieties can reveal details regarding various liver or gallbladder diseases. In conjunction with other laboratory test results, a patient's symptoms, and the findings of the bilirubin test, the healthcare professional can make a diagnosis and suggest possible treatments.

Who Should Get Tested for Bilirubin (Total, Direct & Indirect) Test?

The bilirubin test is often requested when a patient exhibits jaundice signs, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, or when a doctor has a suspicion that the patient may be suffering from liver or gallbladder illness. The test may also be prescribed as a part of a standard physical examination or as a follow-up to an abnormal liver function test. The following list includes other justifications for getting a bilirubin (total, direct, and indirect) test:

• Those who have jaundice symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Those whose liver or gallbladder health is under suspicion.
• Individuals who are at risk for liver disease because of particular illnesses or way of life choices, such as drinking alcohol or having viral hepatitis.
• Individuals who have recently received a blood transfusion or who have been exposed to high bilirubin levels.
• People getting a routine physical exam or getting checked out after a liver function test that was abnormal.
• Those who have received a diagnosis of specific medical diseases, such as Rotor Syndrome, Crigler-Najjar Syndrome, Dubin-Johnson Syndrome, or Gilbert's Disease, are also more likely to undergo this test.

How Do I Prepare for Bilirubin (Total, Direct & Indirect) Test?

A bilirubin test often does not require any preparation. However, it is crucial to let your doctor know about any medications you are taking right now because some of them can alter the test's outcomes. Additionally, you can be given the go-ahead to fast for a specific amount of time before the test, usually between 8 and 12 hours.

The findings of the test may also be impacted if you recently received a blood transfusion or were exposed to high levels of bilirubin.

What To Expect During Bilirubin (Total, Direct & Indirect) Test?

A tiny amount of blood will be collected from a vein in your arm during a bilirubin test using a needle, vial, or syringe. The blood sample will subsequently be delivered to a lab for evaluation. Although the process is normally painless and quick, some patients may have some little discomfort or bruising where the puncture was made.

You can resume your regular activities after the blood sample has been obtained. Your healthcare professional will receive the test results and interpret them before informing you of the outcomes. It is significant to remember that bilirubin test results cannot be accessible for a few days, and you should contact your healthcare practitioner again to inquire about the results.

Understanding Bilirubin (Total, Direct & Indirect) Test Results

Results from bilirubin tests are commonly expressed in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or micromoles per litre (mol/L). Between 0.1 and 1.2 mg/dL (or 1.7 and 20.5 mol/L) is typically regarded as the normal range for total bilirubin.

There are three sections to the test results:

• Total bilirubin: This indicator represents the blood's total bilirubin content. Haemolytic anemia, gallbladder disease, and other disorders may all be indicated by elevated total bilirubin levels.
• Direct Bilirubin: The blood's bilirubin that is bound to proteins is measured using the direct bilirubin test. Increased direct bilirubin levels could be a sign of liver illness or bile duct obstruction.
• Indirect bilirubin: It is used to assess blood levels of bilirubin that are not associated with proteins. A disorder that destroys red blood cells, such as haemolytic anemia,may be indicated by elevated indirect bilirubin levels.

The presence of high levels of bilirubin in the blood can be a sign of a serious condition, however, this does not mean that these levels are always abnormal or signal the presence of a disease. To interpret your test findings considering your general health and any symptoms you may be feeling, it is crucial to speak with your healthcare professional.

In order to diagnose the underlying disease and suggest possible treatments, they could also request more tests.