What is bilirubin?
Bilirubin is a waste product made by the normal breakdown of heme. Heme is a component of haemoglobin found in red blood cells (RBCs). Bilirubin passes through the liver and is eventually excreted out of the body. A bilirubin test measures bilirubin levels to evaluate a person's liver function or to help diagnose anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia).
Why test bilirubin?
Testing bilirubin is important for several reasons. It helps you understand how your liver health is affected by your alcohol consumption, weight, virus exposure or other lifestyle factors. A bilirubin test is often part of a routine check when you have diverse symptoms. Additionally, monitoring bilirubin levels can help track changes in your blood values as you make lifestyle changes or undergo treatments.
What causes low bilirubin?
Low levels of bilirubin are usually considered clinically insignificant. Extremely low levels could be a sign of spleen insufficiency.
Symptoms of low bilirubin
Low bilirubin is typically not associated with specific symptoms. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells, and low levels usually indicate normal liver function and red blood cell turnover. Unlike high bilirubin levels, which can cause jaundice and other symptoms, low bilirubin levels do not typically indicate health problems. If you have concerns about your bilirubin levels or overall health, consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
What causes high bilirubin?
Increased bilirubin is associated with a variety of medical disorders, from viral hepatitis to gallstones. Bilirubin is elevated in the blood in several liver and bile duct conditions. This results in skin yellowing and the whites of the eyes. The most common reason is bile flow blockage, known as cholestasis. Other factors include heavy metal burden and high cholesterol. Gallstones can cause this blockage, preventing bilirubin excretion into stool or urine.
Gilbert’s syndrome can also cause mildly elevated bilirubin. Gilbert’s syndrome is a common, harmless, overgrowth/dysbiosis inherited condition that can cause bilirubin to be temporarily elevated. Triggers include surgery, infection, dehydration, fasting, physical activity, and menstruation. Elevated bilirubin can also signal oxidative stress, increased red blood cell destruction, liver dysfunction, polycythemia, thymus dysfunction.
Symptoms of high bilirubin
More information
Values that are slightly outside the reference range can be normal. Reference ranges are not perfect and approximately 5% of healthy individuals may have results outside the reference range.
Preparation for this test
No advance preparation is required for this test.
On the day of the test
Always take your ID with you when going for a test. Do not work out before going to do this test, as this may affect your results. Take this test before 10 am, as results can vary throughout the day. Arrive early and sit for 15 minutes before the test is taken.