How Can I Check My Bilirubin Levels at Home?
You can't directly measure your total bilirubin levels at home with a readily available, reliable test. However, you can check for bilirubin in your urine using at-home urine test strips. These are available over-the-counter at many pharmacies and online retailers.
Some at-home urine tests, available without a prescription, can detect bilirubin in your urine. These tests typically involve dipping a test strip into a urine sample or adding a few drops of urine to the strip. The strip will change color depending on the presence and concentration of bilirubin. It's crucial to understand that this only tests for bilirubin in your urine, not your overall bilirubin blood levels.
- Important Note: While these at-home tests provide a rough indication, they are not a substitute for a proper blood test performed by a healthcare professional. If you use an at-home urine bilirubin test, you should discuss your results with your doctor or other healthcare provider for proper interpretation and further evaluation if necessary. [Source: MedlinePlus, Testing.com, Amazon.com]
Why a Blood Test is Necessary for Accurate Bilirubin Levels
Measuring total bilirubin levels accurately requires a blood test. This is because bilirubin is primarily found in the blood. At-home urine tests can only assess the presence of bilirubin excreted in the urine, which is a small fraction of the total bilirubin in the body. A blood test provides a much more precise and comprehensive measurement.
- Newborn Jaundice: For newborns, bilirubin levels are routinely checked in hospitals because high levels can be dangerous. While apps can assist in detection, they are not a replacement for the gold-standard blood test. [Source: University of Washington News, NHS, Mayo Clinic]
Finding At-Home Urine Test Kits
You can find urine test strips that include bilirubin testing at various retailers, including:
- Online retailers (like Amazon)
- Pharmacies
- Some health and wellness stores
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using these test kits.
