General Information About the Test
Test Process and Preparation
In cases such as liver damage (hepatitis, cirrhosis), gallstones or biliary obstruction, or the breakdown of blood cells at a much faster rate than normal (hemolytic anemia), bilirubin accumulates in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
It exists in two forms in the blood. The unprocessed form that has not yet reached the liver is called "Indirect (Unconjugated)" bilirubin, while the form processed in the liver is called "Direct (Conjugated)" bilirubin. The ratio of these two values indicates whether the problem originates from the liver or the biliary tract.
Because the liver of newborns is not fully mature, physiological jaundice is common in the first few days. Regular measurements are taken using blood drawn from the heel to monitor whether bilirubin has reached dangerous levels (kernicterus) that could damage the brain.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. The results of medical tests must be evaluated by specialist physicians.
