BILIRUBIN, TOTAL

BILIRUBIN, TOTAL

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. The liver makes bile to help you digest food, and bile contains bilirubin. Most bilirubin comes from the body's normal process of breaking down old red blood cells.  A healthy liver can normally get rid of bilirubin. But when you have liver problems, bilirubin can build up in your body to unhealthy levels.  

Bilirubin test results are expressed as direct, indirect or total bilirubin. Total bilirubin is a combination of direct and indirect bilirubin. Typically, you'll get results for direct and total bilirubin.

Bilirubin results depend on your age, gender, and health. Normal bilirubin levels are generally less than 1 milligram per deciliter (mg/dL). 

Adults with jaundice generally have bilirubin levels greater than 2.5mg/dL. In an otherwise healthy newborn, bilirubin levels greater than 15 mg/dL may cause problems.