Bilirubin Total (Direct and Indirect) Test

Bilirubin levels estimation gives an idea about the functioning of liver or some other blood-related disorders. If high bilirubin is found in the blood, it means either there is a deficit in liver function that the liver is not able to eliminate it, and needs further evaluation with liver specific tests. More specifically - it’s used to diagnose a condition called “Jaundice” which causes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to excess bilirubin in the blood. Also it is used to diagnose a condition called “haemolysis” -which is excess breakdown of RBCs, leading to high bilirubin production beyond the efficiency of the liver to eliminate it. 

Your doctor may recommend the test for you if you show signs like:

1. Jaundice
2. Anaemia or Low RBC
3. Have a history of heavy alcohol or drug consumption
4. Have been exposed to the hepatitis virus
5. Dark urine
6. Abdominal pain and swelling

Bilirubin is a yellowish fluid produced by the liver. Bilirubin is a byproduct, resulting from the the breakdown of old and damaged red blood cells (RBCs) as part of their natural destruction process. This bilirubin is then conjugated with a substance called bile in the liver, and later it gets excreted through faeces.

Bilirubin exists either in a free form or is conjugated with a protein or sugar called albumin or glucuronide, respectively. The free form of bilirubin wherein it isn’t attached to albumin or any other blood component –it’s called conjugated or direct bilirubin. On the contrary, the bilirubin that is attached to albumin or any other blood component-it’s referred as “Indirect or unconjugated bilirubin”

A bilirubin blood test involves the measuring the levels of conjugated and unconjugated individually, and also summing up both the values to yield “total bilirubin”.