Bilirubin test

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Definition Why it's done Risks

What you can expect Results

Definition

Bilirubin testing checks for levels of bilirubin — an orange-yellow pigment — in your blood. Bilirubin 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 may indicate liver damage or disease.

Before reaching your liver, as a break-down 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.

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Why it's done

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