Bilirubin Test

WHAT IS BILIRUBIN TEST?

Bilirubin test means a test used to ascertain the level of bilirubin in the blood. 

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells and is eliminated by the liver and excreted out of the body. 

When there is an increase in bilirubin level it could indicate the liver malfunction or bile duct problems and could also show the rate at which red blood cell is destroyed.

Bilirubin is also done together with another test such as liver function test which measures certain enzymes or protein in the blood, albumin and total protein test, complete blood count, prothrombin time, etc.

USES OF BILIRUBIN TEST

A bilirubin test is mostly done to ascertain the functioning of your liver. It is normally used to check for conditions such as jaundice which is the yellowing of the eyes and skin.

The test also checks for blockage in the bile duct, gall bladder, investigates liver disease such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, gall stones and anemia, etc. Hence, bilirubin testing is a good way of testing your liver functioning.

High bilirubin level is quite common in newborns and infants. Your doctor will examine the child and determine if treatment is necessary by using its age, the bilirubin type, and level.

TYPES OF BILIRUBIN TEST

The types of bilirubin tests are carried by testing the different types of bilirubin. They include direct and indirect bilirubin tests. 

1. Unconjugated or Indirect Bilirubin Test

This checks bilirubin produced by the breakdown of red blood cells and travels in the blood to the liver.

• Conjugated or Direct Bilirubin Test

This checks the bilirubin that its chemical nature has been altered by the enzymes in the liver and moves into the small intestine to be excreted out of the body.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

A bilirubin test may be recommended by your doctor if you are showing signs of jaundice, having anemia, reacting severely to drugs, suspected of having hepatitis or cirrhosis.

You might also need a bilirubin test if you are experiencing the following symptoms such as dark urine, nausea, and vomiting, abdominal swellings or abdominal pains, easily tired, clay-colored stools, etc

BILIRUBIN TEST PREPARATION 

When preparing for this test, you will need not eat or drink except water for at least four hours before the test.

Stop taking medications especially antibiotics before the test except your doctor asks you to.

BILIRUBIN TEST PROCEDURE

Bilirubin testing is carried out using a blood sample. The blood sample is drawn by the lab technician by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a tube while blood samples for newborns are obtained using a sharp lancet to break the skin of the heel. The blood is then taken to the lab for analysis.

BILIRUBIN TEST RESULT

A bilirubin test is used to measure the total bilirubin and it can give two different types of bilirubin namely conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin also called direct and indirect bilirubin respectively. 

For the bilirubin test results, the indirect bilirubin is gotten by subtracting the direct bilirubin from the total bilirubin found in the body,

Bilirubin test range depends on the age of the person tested. Bilirubin test normal range is between 1.2 milligrams per deciliter for adults and usually 1milligram per deciliter for people under the age of 18.  

Although this result could vary from person to person, and also the result could be affected by food, medications such as caffeine, penicillin, etc, which could reduce your bilirubin rate, sex – as males tend to have high bilirubin than females, etc.

An increase in your bilirubin level could indicate the inability of your liver to properly clear bilirubin from your body. This could be due to Gilbert syndrome—a condition in which the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of bilirubin is absent, or it could indicate that your red blood cells are breaking down more than they should. There is also the possibility of a blockage in the pathway of the elimination of bilirubin in your body.

When the bilirubin test levels do not return to normal close to 2 weeks in newborns, then it could that the there is an incompatibility of blood between mother and child, inadequate oxygen supply, an inherited infection, malfunctioning of the liver.

BILIRUBIN TEST SIDE EFFECTS

There are very feel side effects when undergoing bilirubin testing and they include dizziness or lighted headiness due to the withdrawing of the blood, hematoma may occur which is a bruise where blood accumulates, excessive bleeding may occur, etc.

FAQs

• Is fasting required for the bilirubin test?

You may not need to fast for long but only for at least four hours before the test as the meal we eat could affect the result of the test.

• Why is there a need for a dark environment when performing a bilirubin test?

Bilirubin is quite sensitive to light rays as it could become metabolize into a different compound when exposure to light enhances affecting the result.

• How do you maintain bilirubin level?

There are simple tips you could use in maintaining a good bilirubin level, they include; regular intake of water, eating fruit very often, including vegetables in your meal when eating, also meals rich in high fiber such as oatmeal, berries, and almond could also help.

• Does dehydration cause high bilirubin levels?

Bilirubin level tends to increase with stress, strain, infection, dehydration, etc, therefore make a habit of drinking water regularly.

• Does vitamin D help reduce bilirubin levels?

In children, the administration of vitamin D could help reduce their bilirubin level and maintain a normal bilirubin level.