The bilirubin blood test measures the level of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced when your body breaks down old red blood cells. It's then processed by the liver and excreted in bile. This test can assess the health of your liver, bile ducts, and overall health.
A high bilirubin level can be a sign of various conditions, including:
- Liver disease: Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer can impair the liver's ability to process bilirubin.
- Bile duct obstruction: Gallstones or tumors in the bile ducts can block the flow of bile, leading to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
- Hemolytic anemia: When red blood cells are destroyed faster than usual, it increases bilirubin production.
- Gilbert's syndrome: This genetic condition causes a mild buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
A low bilirubin level can indicate a deficiency in red blood cell production.
The bilirubin blood test is usually done by drawing blood from a vein, often from the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand.
