Skip to main content

total Bilirubin





Introduction


A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the protein that binds oxygen in red blood cells. When hemoglobin breaks down, it produces bilirubin. The liver processes bilirubin. If liver cells are damaged, bilirubin can escape into the bloodstream. Indirect or unconjugated bilirubin tests measure the bilirubin that has just been made by the breakdown of hemoglobin in the body. Once bilirubin has been processed in the liver, it can be measured as direct or conjugated. Sometimes the total amount of bilirubin in the blood is measured.
Who is a candidate for the test?
The bilirubin test is often done when a doctor suspects liver or gallbladder disease. The person may have jaundice, which causes yellowed eyes and skin. A buildup of bilirubin causes jaundice.
How is the test performed?
To measure bilirubin levels, a lab technician takes a blood sample from a vein in the forearm or hand. First, he or she cleans the skin over the vein with an antiseptic. Next, a rubber tube called a tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm. This restricts blood flow in the veins in the lower arm. And that causes them to enlarge. A fine needle is gently inserted into the enlarged vein, and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle into a vial. After the needle is withdrawn, the technician covers the puncture site with a bandage. 

What do the test results mean?
Normal values for total bilirubin are between 0.3 and 1.2 mg/100 ml. Normal conjugated or direct bilirubin levels should be between 0.0 and 0.2 mg/100 ml. Abnormal bilirubin levels can be found in many disorders, including:
  • blocked bile ducts
  • cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver
  • hepatitis and other liver diseases
  • immature liver development in newborns
  • Comments

    Popular posts from this blog

    Sputum Cytology

    How is the test performed? This test is usually performed in the morning, right after waking up. The person is asked to rinse his or her mouth with water to avoid a poor sample. After taking several deep breaths, the person then coughs deeply. This should bring up enough of a material from deep in the lungs known as sputum. Sputum is different from spit. The sputum sample is then taken to a lab. The lab can then examine the sample with a microscope    What is involved in preparation for the test? Instructions on sample collection are provided to people having this test. No other special preparation is needed   What do the test results mean? Usually, sputum contains some normal cells. No cells that look like cancer should be in the sample. If cancer cells are seen, the person usually has lung cancer.

    Toxic Shock Syndrome

    Introduction Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder. It occurs when toxins made by certain types of bacteria are released into the bloodstream. What is going on in the body? Toxic shock syndrome was first described in children in 1978. Experts quickly realized it happened more often among women who used superabsorbent tampons during their periods. TSS is triggered by toxins made by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The toxins cause a high fever and can damage the kidneys, liver, and heart. Experts believe that tampons may block bacteria within the vagina. The moist, humid environment allows them to grow and produce high levels of toxins. Tampons can cause very small cuts in the vagina during insertion. These small cuts allow bacteria and their toxins to enter the bloodstream. About 70% of TSS cases have been related to certain brands of highly absorbent tampons that are no longer made. What are the causes and risks of the...

    Bone Marrow Biopsy

    Who is a candidate for the procedure? A person may undergo a bone marrow biopsy in order to: diagnose different types of leukemia when a blood test shows suspicious cell changes follow the response to a leukemia treatment help in diagnosis and treatment of certain other cancers diagnose and monitor the treatment of certain noncancerous blood disorders How is the procedure performed? First, the skin over the rear of the pelvic bone is cleansed. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Sometimes a drug is given intravenously to help calm the person having the procedure. A hollow stainless steel needle is inserted into the back part of the pelvic bone. Once it is inside the bone, a sample of the liquid marrow is drawn into the syringe. Sometimes a larger hollow needle is used to obtain a solid core specimen of marrow from the same area. No incision or sutures are needed. The sample taken is checked under a microscope for abnormal cells.     ...