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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffBilirubin testing checks for levels of bilirubin — an orange-yellow pigment — in your blood. Bilirubin (bil-ih-ROO-bin) is a natural byproduct that results from the normal breakdown of red blood cells. As a normal process, bilirubin is carried in the blood and passes through your liver. Too much bilirubin in your blood may indicate liver damage or disease.
Before reaching your liver, as a breakdown product of your red blood cells, the bilirubin is called indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin. Once in your liver, most bilirubin attaches to certain sugars creating what's called direct (conjugated) bilirubin. Direct bilirubin is released into bile and stored in your gallbladder before eventually being excreted in your stool. Higher than normal levels of direct or indirect bilirubin may indicate different types of liver problems. Occasionally, higher bilirubin levels may indicate an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis).
- Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/php/208033710-3/homepage. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- Common blood tests. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/bdt/bdt_what.html. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- Bilirubin. Lab Tests Online. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bilirubin/glance.html. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- Laboratory reference values. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; July 1, 2010.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. July 7, 2010.
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