what is total bilirubin mean

by Orlando Durgan Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Full Answer

What are the reasons for an elevated bilirubin, total?

What is bilirubin?

Before reaching the liver. Some conditions cause bilirubin levels to be high before it reaches the liver. ...
In the liver. If the liver is not working properly, it may be unable to make bilirubin water-soluble. ...
After leaving the liver. Once the bilirubin has left the liver, levels may be high because the bilirubin is unable to leave the body.

What can cause an elevated bilirubin?

Mononucleosis, cirrhosis and hepatitis can all cause liver damage and elevated bilirubin levels, as can diseases that block the bile ducts, including pancreatic cancer and gallstones. The rapid destruction of red blood cells from allergic reactions during a blood transfusion or sickle cell anemia may also cause levels to increase.

What foods cause high bilirubin levels?

Fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Beans
Nuts and seeds
Olive oil

Why would total bilirubin be elevated?

In fact, bilirubin is what gives normal feces that brownish color. Bilirubin can be elevated for two reasons: too much production or not enough excretion. Too much production would be the result of a hemolytic pathology. That is too say, you are destroying way too many red blood cells and the body is digesting the heme into lots of bilirubin.

What does it mean when your bilirubin levels are high?

Higher levels of direct bilirubin in your blood may indicate your liver isn't clearing bilirubin properly. This may indicate liver damage or disease. Higher levels of indirect bilirubin may be a sign of other problems.

At what level is bilirubin a concern?

The level of bilirubin that is harmful is around 20. Reaching a level this high is rare. High levels need to be treated with bili-lights.

What does bilirubin total tell you?

This is a blood test that measures the amount of a substance called bilirubin. This test is used to find out how well your liver is working. It is often part of a panel of tests that measure liver function. A small amount of bilirubin in your blood is normal, but a high level may be a sign of liver disease.

How do you reduce high bilirubin?

However, following these four tips can help you boost overall liver health in addition to medical guidance.Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated helps lower bilirubin levels by facilitating the removal of waste from the body. ... Consume fresh fruits and vegetables. ... Increase your intake of fiber. ... Avoid alcohol.

What medications cause high bilirubin?

Drugs that can increase bilirubin measurements include allopurinol, anabolic steroids, some antibiotics, antimalarials, azathioprine, chlorpropamide, cholinergics, codeine, diuretics, epinephrine, meperidine, methotrexate, methyldopa, MAO inhibitors, morphine, nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, ...

How long can you live with high bilirubin levels?

Ninety-five per cent confidence limits on survival time were 32-74 months. If two successive six month bilirubin values exceeded 102 mumol/l (6.0 mg/dl), calculated survival time was 25 months, and if two successive six month bilirubin values exceeded 170 mumol/l (10.0 mg/dl), survival time was 17 months.

What is the treatment for high bilirubin in adults?

Treatments for elevated bilirubin in adults involves treating the cause and complications, such as: antibiotics to treat infection. corticosteroids to reduce liver inflammation. changing medications if they caused the elevated levels.

What is a good number for total bilirubin?

Normal Results A normal level is: Direct (also called conjugated) bilirubin: less than 0.3 mg/dL (less than 5.1 µmol/L) Total bilirubin: 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL (1.71 to 20.5 µmol/L)

How do I know if my bilirubin is too high?

Jaundice usually appears first on the face and then moves to the chest, belly, arms, and legs as bilirubin levels get higher. The whites of the eyes can also look yellow. Jaundice can be harder to see in babies with darker skin color.

What foods to avoid if you have high bilirubin?

Foods and drinks to avoid or limit during jaundice recovery include:Alcohol. Alcohol is toxic to most internal bodily tissues, including the liver. ... Refined carbohydrates. ... Packaged, canned, and smoked foods. ... Saturated and trans fats. ... Raw or undercooked fish or shellfish. ... Beef and pork.

What is the main cause of high bilirubin?

High levels of bilirubin could mean your liver is not functioning correctly. However, high levels can also be due to medications, exercise, or certain foods. Bilirubin is also a product of breakdown of red blood cells, and an elevated reading may be related to disorders of red blood cells and not liver disease.

Does high bilirubin go away?

Jaundice (JON-diss) happens when bilirubin builds up faster than the liver can break it down and pass it from the body. Most types of jaundice go away on their own. Others need treatment to lower bilirubin levels.

Is 1.9 bilirubin a concern?

Normal Results It is normal to have some bilirubin in the blood. A normal level is: Direct (also called conjugated) bilirubin: 0 to 0.3 mg/dL. Total bilirubin: 0.3 to 1.9 mg/dL.

How do I know if my bilirubin is too high?

Is a bilirubin level of 30 high?

A bilirubin of 20 or more on a blood test will be marked as high. Jaundice may occur when the blood total bilirubin reaches a level roughly between 35 and 50 micromoles/litre.

Can high bilirubin be OK?

What Other Tests Might I Have Along With This Test?

You may have other blood tests to find the cause of your liver problems. You may also have urine tests, an ultrasound or other imaging scans of you...

What Do My Test Results Mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean...

Does This Test Pose Any Risks?

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks...

What Might Affect My Test Results?

Medicines and herbal supplements can increase your bilirubin level. Pregnancy and drinking alcohol can also cause a buildup of bilirubin in your li...

How Do I Get Ready For This Test?

You may not be allowed to eat or drink right before the test. Ask your healthcare provider how else you should prepare for this test. Be sure your...

What does it mean if your Bilirubin Total result is too low?

A low level of total bilirubin in the blood is not a cause for concern. There are some medicines/supplements (like vitamin C) that can cause bilirubin levels to drop, but there are no detrimental effects associated with this.

What does it mean when your bilirubin is too high?

What does it mean if your Bilirubin Total result is too high? In adults, an elevated level of total bilirubin typically points to a blockage or disease of the liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder. Possible diseases include: viral hepatitis, cancer of the liver, and alcoholic liver disease.

What is the difference between bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin?

All of the bilirubin in our body together is called “total” bilirubin. “Direct” or “conjugated” bilirubin indicates that a sugar has been attached to it . “Indirect” or “unconjugated” bilirubin indicates the absence of a sugar.

Where is bilirubin excreted?

The bilirubin will then circulate through the blood on its way to the liver where it will be excreted into the bile duct and stored in our gall bladder. Eventually, it will be released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats and ultimately is excreted in stool.

What is the red blood cell's life cycle?

Like all cells in the human body, red blood cells experience a life cycle of creation, maturation, and then destruction. When a red blood cell has reached the end of its life, it is broken down into its base component—one of which is bilirubin, a yellow pigment.

Is bilirubin water soluble?

The important distinction is that direct bilirubin is water soluble, while indirect bilirubin is not. Blood tests to assess bilirubin will measure total, direct, and indirect. Comparing the three results will provide information regarding the condition that may be present, including: damage to the liver, liver disease, ...

What is the normal bilirubin level?

Normal results for direct bilirubin are generally 0.3 mg/dL. These results may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. Normal results may be slightly different for women and children, and results may be affected by certain foods, medications or strenuous exercise.

How to check bilirubin levels?

Bilirubin testing is usually done as part of a group of tests to check the health of your liver. Bilirubin testing may be done to: 1 Investigate jaundice — a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin. A common use of this test is to measure bilirubin levels in newborns to check for infant jaundice. 2 Determine whether there might be blockage in your bile ducts, in either the liver or the gallbladder. 3 Help detect liver disease, particularly hepatitis, or monitor its progression. 4 Help evaluate anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells. 5 Help follow how a treatment is working. 6 Help evaluate a suspected drug toxicity.

How to know if a bilirubin needle is inserted?

Blood for bilirubin testing in newborns is usually obtained using a sharp lancet to break the skin of the heel (heel stick). There may be slight bruising at the puncture site afterward.

Why do you need bilirubin test?

Bilirubin testing is usually done as part of a group of tests to check the health of your liver. Bilirubin testing may be done to: Investigate jaundice — a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin. A common use of this test is to measure bilirubin levels in newborns to check for infant jaundice.

Why is bilirubin high?

Occasionally, higher bilirubin levels may be caused by an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis).

Why is bilirubin elevated?

One common, and harmless, cause of elevated bilirubin is Gilbert's syndrome, a deficiency in an enzyme that helps break down bilirubin. Your doctor may order further tests to investigate your condition. Bilirubin test results also may be used to monitor the progression of certain conditions, such as jaundice.

How to test for bilirubin?

Bilirubin testing is done using a blood sample. Usually, the blood is drawn through a small needle inserted into a vein in the bend of your arm. A small tube is attached to the needle to collect the blood.

What is bilirubin?

Bilirubin is a yellowish substance in your blood. It forms after red blood cells break down, and it travels through your liver, gallbladder, and digestive tract before being excreted.

What does it mean when your bilirubin is high?

Or, with moderately high bilirubin, you may only have jaundice , a yellow cast to your eyes and skin. Jaundice is the main sign of high bilirubin levels. Other general signs of many of the illnesses that cause high bilirubin can include: abdominal pain or swelling. chills.

What causes high bilirubin?

Having high bilirubin can be a sign of several conditions. Your doctor will take your symptoms, as well as any other test results, into account to help narrow down a diagnosis.

What happens if bile ducts are blocked?

If these ducts become inflamed or blocked, bile can’t be properly drained. This can lead to an increased level of bilirubin.

What is the duct that connects the liver to the gallbladder?

Your bile ducts connect your liver to your gallbladder the opening of your small intestine, called the duodenum. They help to move bile, which contains bilirubin, from your liver and gallbladder into your intestines.

What causes bilirubin to build up in the liver?

Liver dysfunction. Any condition that affects the function of your liver can cause bilirubin to build up in your blood. This is a result of your liver losing its ability to remove and process bilirubin from your bloodstream. Several things can affect the function of your liver, including: cirrhosis. liver cancer.

What is Gilbert's syndrome?

Gilbert’s syndrome is a genetic liver condition that causes your liver to not process bilirubin properly. This causes it to build up in your blood stream. This condition often doesn’t cause symptoms, but when it does, they can include: jaundice. nausea. vomiting.

How much bilirubin is produced in the body?

Normally the body produces a total of about 260 mg of bilirubin per day. Almost 99 per cent of this is excreted in the feces; the remaining 1 per cent is excreted in the urine as urobilinogen. Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.

What does elevated bilirubin mean?

Elevated indirect bilirubin levels indicate prehepatic jaundice, such as hemolytic jaundice, or certain types of hepatic jaundice involving inability to conjugate bilirubin. Elevated direct bilirubin levels indicate other types of hepatic jaundice, such as in viral or alcoholic hepatitis, or posthepatic jaundice, as in biliary obstruction.

What is BR in bile?

A yellow-red haemoglobin-breakdown product derived from catabolised RBCs, present in bile transported from the liver to the gallbladder to the intestines. BR gives bile its colour and is normally passed in stool; increased production or decreased excretion of BR results in cutaneous and ocular sclera jaundice. BR that has not been metabolised in the liver is termed indirect bilirubin (BRI) and is attached to albumin in the circulation; after hepatic metabolism, it is no longer bound to proteins, and is called direct bilirubin (BRD). The sum of BRD and BRI equals total bilirubin (BRT), which is usually measured as part of a routine chemistry profile and in liver profiles; if BRT is increased, the lab automatically measures BRD; BRI is a calculated value of BRT – BRD.

What is the yellow pigment in bilirubin?

bil·i·ru·bin. ( bil'i-rū'bin) A yellow bile pigment found as sodium bilirubinate (soluble),or as an insoluble calcium salt in gallstones, formed from hemoglobin during normal and abnormal destruction of erythrocytes by the reticuloendothelial system. Excess levels of bilirubin are associated with jaundice.

What causes bilirubin to increase?

Failure of the liver cells to excrete bile, or obstruction of the bile ducts, can cause an increased amount of bilirubin in the body fluids and lead to obstructive jaundice.

What is BR in lab medicine?

BR Lab medicine A yellow-red Hb breakdown product derived from catabolized RBCs, present in bile transported from the liver to the gallbladder to the intestines ; BR gives bile its color and is normally passed in stool; ↑ production or ↓ excretion of BR results in jaundice of the skin and ocular sclera; BR that has not been metabolized in the liver is indirect bilirubin–BRI, and is attached to albumin in the circulation; after hepatic metabolism, it is no longer bound to proteins, and is called direct bilirubin–BRD; the sum of BR D and BR I is total bilirubin–BRT, which is usually measured as part of a routine chemistry profile, and in liver profiles; if BR T is ↑, the laboratory automatically measures BR D; BR I is a calculated value of BR T – BR D Ref range BR T, umbilical cord <2.0 mg/dL; 0-1 day of life <6.0 mg/dL; 1-2 day <8.0 mg/dL; 3-5 day <12 mg/dL, thereafter <0.2-1.0 mg/dL; BR D < 0.3 mg/dL; BR I 0.2–1.3 mg/dL; BR T 0.3–1.6 mg/dL; BR I is ↑ in liver damage, hemolytic anemia, congenital enzyme deficiencies; BR D is ↑ in biliary obstruction; BR T is ↑ in continuous hemolysis, biliary obstruction with hepatic damage Urine Negative Amniotic fluid 28 wk <0.075 mg/dL; 40 wk <0.025 mg/dL See Conjugated bilirubin, Delta bilirubin.

What is the color of bilirubin?

bilirubin. [ bil″ĭ-roo´bin] a yellow to orange bile pigment produced by the breakdown of heme and reduction of biliverdin; it normally circulates in plasma and is taken up by liver cells and conjugated to form bilirubin diglucuronide, the water-soluble pigment excreted in the bile. Bilirubin.

What is the bilirubin in the liver?

Bilirubin is made during the normal process of breaking down red blood cells. It is a yellowish substance found in bile, a fluid in your liver. This fluid helps digest food. A healthy liver moves most of the bilirubin from your body. If the liver is damaged, bilirubin can leak out into your blood.

How to test for bilirubin?

During the bilirubin test, a blood sample is taken from your arm through a small needle. A little sting may be felt as the needle goes in.

What does it mean when your liver is not normal?

Results which are not in the normal range do not necessarily mean there is a medical condition needing treatment. A benign liver disease called Gilbert’s syndrome may cause minor elevations of bilirubin and can be ignored.

How to do liver function test?

The test is usually done in conjunction with other tests for liver disease as part of a hepatic function panel. It can also be done to: 1 Diagnose hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other liver diseases 2 Find blockages in structures carrying bile from your liver 3 Monitor an existing liver disorder 4 Diagnose disorders related to red blood cell production problems 5 Test a patient who has history of drinking large amounts of alcohol 6 Test a patient who has a suspected drug toxicity

Why do we need a bilirubin test?

Why is a bilirubin test done? A bilirubin test is done to measure the levels of bilirubin in your blood. If too much bilirubin is in your bloodstream it can cause jaundice, which can make your skin and eyes turn yellow.

Why is my bilirubin level high?

What happens if bilirubin levels are elevated in newborns?

These elevated levels can damage developing brain cells and result in mental retardation, learning and developmental disabilities, hearing and eye problems, and death. Your doctor can provide more information as to what the results mean.

How much bilirubin is in a child's blood?

The approximate normal range of bilirubin in the blood serum is: 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg /dL) for adults. 1 mg/dL for children under 18 years of age.

Why is bilirubin high?

Once the bilirubin has left the liver, levels may be high because the bilirubin is unable to leave the body. This may be a result of blockage in one of the other organs that assist excretion, such as gallstones in the gallbladder. This is called the post-hepatic phase. Other causes include:

How long does it take for a baby to get jaundice?

The Merck Manual states that almost half of all newborns have visible jaundice in the first week after birth. In adults, bacteria in the gut break down the conjugated bilirubin to create urobilin, and this is excreted in feces. In neonates, the liver takes several days to start adequately processing bilirubin.

What is the cause of jaundice?

Bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of red blood cells in the body. The liver helps to excrete it. High levels of bilirubin can lead to jaundice. This disorder is easily recognizable due to a yellowing of the skin and eyes. High bilirubin levels can occur in adults, but the disorder is more common in newborn infants.

Why is bilirubin high before it reaches the liver?

This is the pre-hepatic or “pre-liver” phase, and it can be caused by hemolytic anemia and the reabsorption of internal pools of blood by the body.

What is the function of RBCs?

RBCs contain hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen around the body, and it is this that gets broken down into bilirubin and other substances . The bilirubin is carried to the liver by albumin, a simple protein. Once in the liver, bilirubin becomes “conjugated.”. This means it is water-soluble and can be excreted.

How to treat high bilirubin?

If the cause is known, bilirubin might be removed through treatment or lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol.

What is the normal bilirubin level for adults?

For adults over 18, normal total bilirubin can be up to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood. For those under 18, the normal level will be will be 1 mg/dl. Normal results for conjugated (direct) bilirubin should be less than 0.3 mg/dl. Men tend to have slightly higher bilirubin levels than women.

How to check bilirubin levels?

Your doctor may order a bilirubin test if you: 1 Show signs of jaundice 2 Have anemia, or low red blood cells 3 Might be having a toxic reaction to drugs 4 Have a history of heavy drinking 5 Have been exposed to hepatitis viruses 6 Have cirrhosis

What Do the Results Mean?

A bilirubin test measures total bilirubin. It can also give levels of two different types of bilirubin: unconjugated and conjugated.

What does it mean when your bilirubin is high?

If your bilirubin levels are higher than normal, it’s a sign that either your red blood cells are breaking down at an unusual rate or that your liver isn’t breaking down waste properly and clearing the bilirubin from your blood.

Why is bilirubin high in newborns?

In newborns, high bilirubin levels that don’t level out in a few days to 2 weeks may be a sign of: Blood type incompatibility between mother and child. Lack of oxygen. An inherited infection. A disease affecting the liver.

How to tell if you have jaundice?

Might be having a toxic reaction to drugs. Have a history of heavy drinking. Have been exposed to hepatitis viruses. Have cirrhosis. You might also have your bilirubin tested if you have symptoms like: Dark urine. Nausea and vomiting.

Why is bilirubin used in poop?

It’s used to help find the cause of health conditions like jaundice, anemia, and liver disease. Bilirubin is an orange-yellow pigment that occurs normally when part of your red blood cells break down. Your liver takes the bilirubin from your blood and changes its chemical make-up so that most of it is passed through your poop as bile. ...

How much bilirubin is in the blood?

A healthy adult usually has a total bilirubin of about 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood and 0.3 mg/dL for direct bilirubin. The numbers can vary a bit in either direction, depending on several factors, including diet, exercise, and medications.

What does it mean when your bilirubin is high?

High levels of bilirubin could mean there is liver damage or a disorder that makes it hard for the body to break down bilirubin. In newborns, however, a high bilirubin level does not necessarily mean liver damage is present. It is not uncommon for an infant’s liver to be too immature to fully break down bilirubin. Usually, the liver adapts within a few weeks after birth.

How is the cause of elevated bilirubin diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:

What are the potential complications of elevated bilirubin?

While most cases of newborn jaundice go away shortly after birth, a few infants do experience encephalopathy, swelling of the brain.

Why is my bilirubin level high?

Pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer: The pancreas, also part of the digestive system, can cause elevated bilirubin levels, most often because of a blockage in bile excretion.

Why is bilirubin elevated?

Elevated bilirubin results from an excess of bile production or a weakened ability for the body to process or excrete it . There can be several reasons for these changes.

What causes elevated bilirubin levels?

The most common cause of elevated bilirubin is a problem with either the liver or the gallbladder, both parts of the digestive system.

What is total bilirubin?

Total bilirubin. This refers to all of the bilirubin in your bloodstream.

What is bilirubin in blood?

What is bilirubin? Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced when hemoglobin in your red blood cells breaks down. Once it breaks down, it’s sent through your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts before being excreted. Your doctor may order a bilirubin test as part of a typical comprehensive metabolic panel or liver panel.

What is the normal bilirubin level?

Usually, bilirubin levels hover somewhere between 0.3 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Read on to learn more about bilirubin and what levels below this range could mean.

What is the name of the protein that is bound to albumin and transported to the liver?

Conjugated (direct) bilirubin. This type is created when bilirubin attaches to (conjugates with) glucuronic acid in the liver before being excreted. This type of bilirubin is what makes your urine ...

What happens if you have low bilirubin?

If your test results show you have low bilirubin levels, your doctor will likely just keep an eye out for any other symptoms you have and run another test after some time has passed. Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2018.

Can low bilirubin cause diabetic retinopathy?

A 2017 study. Trusted Source. found that low bilirubin levels may be a marker for diabetic retinopathy. This is an eye condition that happens when blood vessels near the retina at the back of the eye are damaged.

Can low bilirubin cause white matter lesions?

A 2018 study#N#Trusted Source#N#suggests that low bilirubin levels could increase your risk of developing deep white matter lesions in your brain, even if you don’t have any other health issues. These lesions are linked#N#Trusted Source#N#to several conditions, including dementia and heart disease.