Bilirubin Test For Liver Diseases and Hepatitis

The Bilirubin test helps to check the amount of bilirubin present in the blood. This bilirubin is the yellowish pigment that is released during the normal breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). Bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted out of the body.

Bilirubin Test

Here are the basic details for Bilirubin Test.

Also Known As	Total Serum Bilirubin, TSB Total Bilirubin, TBIL Neonatal Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Check Bilirubin in Blood
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	All
Age-Group	Any
Normal Value	0.2 - 1.3 mg/dL
Reporting Time	1 - 2 Hours
Cost	100 - 200 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Bilirubin Test Means

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is formed in the body during the breakdown of red blood cells.

Direct bilirubin is water-soluble and can be excreted in the urine.
High levels of direct bilirubin can indicate conditions affecting the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
The Bilirubin Test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor liver function, as well as to detect and track the progression of liver diseases and other health conditions that affect the production and excretion of bilirubin.

Interesting Facts About Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

It is processed by the liver and excreted in bile.

High levels of bilirubin can result in yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Who should get Bilirubin Test?

Individuals with symptoms of liver disease, such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite, may be recommended to get a bilirubin test.
The test may also be ordered for newborns with jaundice or individuals with a family history of liver disease.
People with a history of alcohol abuse, hepatitis B or C, or liver cancer may also need to get their bilirubin levels tested regularly.

Bilirubin Test Purpose

Here is the basic purpose of the bilirubin test.

To measure the level of bilirubin in the blood.
To diagnose or monitor liver and bile duct diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallstones.
To detect and monitor jaundice in newborns.

Bilirubin Test: Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Meaning

Bilirubin Test Preparation

Here are the points for Bilirubin Test Preparation:

Before Test

Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
Follow any instructions provided by your doctor regarding fasting or dietary restrictions.
Wear loose-fitting clothes that allow easy access to the testing area.

During Test

A healthcare provider will take a sample of your blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.

After Test

Apply pressure to the injection site for a few minutes to prevent bleeding.
Resume any medications or dietary habits as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Summary

Before the Bilirubin Test, inform your doctor, follow instructions on fasting or dietary restrictions, during the test, a blood sample is taken, and after the test, apply pressure to the injection site and follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider.

Bilirubin Test Procedure

Here are the points outlining the procedure for a bilirubin test:

A bilirubin test may be done as part of a routine blood test or a liver function test.
The test requires a small blood sample, usually taken from a vein in the arm.
The patient should avoid eating or drinking anything except water for at least 4 hours before the test.
A healthcare professional will clean the area where the blood will be drawn with an antiseptic.
A tourniquet will be placed around the upper arm to make the veins more visible.
A small needle will be inserted into the vein to collect the blood sample.
The sample will be collected in a vial or syringe.
Once enough blood is collected, the needle will be removed and the site will be covered with a bandage.
The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Results are usually available within a few days.

Bilirubin Test Result

The Bilirubin Test result will show the level of bilirubin in your blood, which will be reported in mg/dL or µmol/L.

The normal range of total bilirubin in adults is usually 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL (1.71 to 20.5 µmol/L). However, the normal range can vary depending on the lab, age, and other factors.
Abnormal levels of bilirubin can indicate various liver, bile duct, or blood disorders, and may require further testing or treatment.

Bilirubin Test Report

Bilirubin Test Report - Drlogy Test

Bilirubin Test Report PDF

Bilirubin Test Normal Report

Bilirubin Test Normal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

Bilirubin Normal Test Report PDF Format

Bilirubin Test Normal Result Report PDF

Bilirubin Test Abnormal Report

Bilirubin Test Abnormal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

Bilirubin Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

Bilirubin Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

Bilirubin Test Normal Range

Here is the Bilirubin Test Normal Range.

Bilirubin Type	Normal Range
Total Bilirubin	0.3-1.2 mg/dL
Direct Bilirubin	0.0-0.3 mg/dL
Indirect Bilirubin	0.2-0.8 mg/dL

Bilirubin Test Interpretation

Here is the Bilirubin Test interpretation.

Bilirubin level	Interpretation
< 1.0 mg/dL	Normal
1.0 - 2.9 mg/dL	Mild elevation, possible liver disease
3.0 - 5.9 mg/dL	Moderate elevation, likely liver disease
> 5.9 mg/dL	Severe elevation, possible liver failure

Summary

Elevated bilirubin levels may indicate liver dysfunction or other conditions affecting the bile flow, while normal bilirubin levels are within the expected range for a healthy individual.

Specimen Requirments For Bilirubin Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Bilirubin Test.

Specimen	Blood Serum
Volume	1 ml
Container	Red-top tube or gel-barrier tub

Bilirubin Test is Safe?

Yes, getting a bilirubin test is safe and simple.
It is a routine blood test and is considered to be a very low-risk procedure.
However, like any blood test, there is a slight risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the site where the needle is inserted.

When Do You Get Bilirubin Test Results?

The bilirubin test results are usually available within a 1 - 2 hours.
However, the turnaround time may vary depending on the laboratory.
It's best to consult with your healthcare provider for more specific information.

Bilirubin Test Limitation

Here are some limitations of Bilirubin Test.

Limited specificity for identifying the exact cause of bilirubin elevation.
Inability to differentiate between different types of bilirubin.
May not accurately reflect the severity of liver disease.

Bilirubin Test Risk Factors

Here are risk factors associated with the Bilirubin Test.

Liver diseases or disorders, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Blockage or obstruction of the bile ducts.
Certain medications or substances that affect liver function.

Doctor Recommendations After Bilirubin Test

Here are Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Bilirubin Test.

Bilirubin Level	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Gastroenterologist	Evaluate liver or biliary system disorders
Normal	Primary Care Physician	Routine follow-up or further evaluation
Low	Primary Care Physician	Assess potential causes and further testing

Bilirubin Test Price

Here are the estimated Bilirubin Test Price in India with top different cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	100 - 200
New Delhi	150 - 200
Bangalore	100 - 200
Hyderabad	150 - 200
Kolkata	100 - 200
Pune	150 - 200
Lucknow	150 - 200
Noida	100 - 200
Surat	150 - 200
Gurugram	100 - 200
Patna	150 - 200
Chennai	100 - 200
Jaipur	150 - 200
Ahmedabad	100 - 200

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Bilirubin test is a safe and common blood test that measures the levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which can help diagnose various liver and blood disorders. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

Bilirubin - Wikipedia [1].
Bilirubin: A Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Nephropathy [2].

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Bilirubin Test FAQ

What is a Bilirubin Test?

The Bilirubin Test is a blood test that measures the levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

It is commonly used to evaluate liver function and diagnose conditions such as jaundice, liver disease, or other disorders affecting the liver or bile ducts.
Bilirubin levels can help identify the cause of the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

How is a Bilirubin Test performed?

The Bilirubin Test typically involves a blood sample collected through a venipuncture, usually from a vein in the arm.

The blood sample is then analyzed in a laboratory using specialized techniques to measure the levels of total bilirubin and, in some cases, direct and indirect bilirubin.
Preparation for the test may involve fasting for a certain period before the blood draw, as instructed by the healthcare provider.

What do the results of a Bilirubin Test mean?

Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate liver dysfunction, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other liver diseases.

Higher levels of bilirubin may also suggest an obstruction in the bile ducts, such as gallstones or tumors.
Low levels of bilirubin are generally considered normal. However, interpretation of results should be done in conjunction with other clinical information to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.

What is a normal Bilirubin level?

The normal range for total Bilirubin in adults typically falls between 0.3 and 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 5.1 and 20.5 micromoles per liter (µmol/L). However, the specific reference range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. It is important to note that the interpretation of Bilirubin levels should consider the clinical context, and healthcare professionals are best suited to assess the significance of the results based on individual circumstances.