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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Bilirubin Direct

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BR D

Description

"Bilirubin Direct" test measures the level of direct (conjugated) bilirubin in your blood, which reflects how well your liver processes and clears waste. Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct blockage, or conditions like hepatitis or gallstones. This test is often used when symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain are present. Results provide insight into bile flow and liver function, helping doctors confirm the cause of symptoms and guide appropriate treatments or further evaluation.

"Bilirubin Direct" test measures the level of direct (conjugated) bilirubin in your blood, which reflects how well your liver processes and clears waste. Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct blockage, or conditions like hepatitis or gallstones. This test is often used when symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain are present. Results provide insight into bile flow and liver function, helping doctors confirm the cause of symptoms and guide appropriate treatments or further evaluation.

Category

Breakdown Byproducts, Waste Metabolites

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

Blood – Serum

Units

Milligrams Per Deciliter | Micromoles Per Liter

Procedure Category

Blood Draw

Test Group

Basic Liver Group, Complete Liver Group, Gallbladder Group

Test Group Description

Basic Liver Group: This set of tests is fundamental for evaluating liver function and detecting common liver disorders. Complete Liver Group: A thorough array of tests aimed at assessing liver function, providing detailed insights into hepatic health and related conditions. Gallbladder Group: This group of tests evaluates gallbladder function and health, providing insights into digestive well-being and related conditions.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 0.00–0.20 mg/dL

  • SI Unit: 0.00–3.50 µmol/L

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 0.00–0.30 mg/dL

  • SI Unit: 0.00–5.00 µmol/L

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Increased levels may indicate:


  • Bile duct scarring

  • Certain cancers or tumors

  • Cholestasis (reduced or blocked bile flow)

  • Dubin-Johnson syndrome (a rare liver disorder)

  • Gallstones (hardened deposits in the gallbladder)

  • Rotor syndrome (a benign condition causing elevated bilirubin levels)

  • Sickle cell anemia (a genetic blood disorder)

  • Septicemia (blood infection)

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Assessment of Liver Function: Evaluates how well the liver processes and eliminates bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.

  • Diagnosis of Hepatobiliary Disorders: Identifies conditions like hepatitis, cholestasis, or obstructive jaundice.

  • Detection of Bile Duct Obstruction: Detects blockages caused by gallstones or tumors through elevated bilirubin levels.

  • Evaluation of Liver Injury: Indicates liver damage or inflammation to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Ostrow JD, Pascolo L, Shapiro SM, Tiribelli C. New concepts in bilirubin neurotoxicity and the role of bilirubin in health and disease. Trends Mol Med. 2004;10(2):65-70.
[2] van de Steeg E, Stránecký V, Hartmannová H, et al. Complete OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 deficiency causes human Rotor syndrome by interrupting conjugated bilirubin reuptake in the liver. J Clin Invest. 2012;122(2):519-528.
[3] Berk PD, Howe RB, Bloomer JR, Berlin NI. Studies of bilirubin kinetics in normal adults. J Clin Invest.1969;48(11):2176-2190.
[4] Rifkind AB, Auster E, Dodsworth H, et al. The mechanism of bilirubin conjugation in man. J Clin Invest.1969;48(12):2276-2290.
[5] Bortolotti M, Mari C, Montagnese F, et al. Direct and indirect bilirubin levels in the diagnostic assessment of Gilbert’s syndrome. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2014;49(10):1202-1207.
[6] Jansen PL, Sturm E. Genetic cholestasis and hepatocellular transport. Clin Liver Dis. 2006;10(2):209-223.
[7] He X, Li J, Tan H, et al. Bilirubin as a potent antioxidant suppresses inflammation in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2019;10:1042.
[8] Wagner KH, Wallner M, Molzer C, et al. Looking to the horizon: The role of bilirubin in the development and prevention of age-related chronic diseases. Clin Sci (Lond). 2015;129(1):1-25.
[9] Lampe JW, Slattery ML, Potter JD. Plasma bilirubin concentrations and the risk of colorectal cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1999;91(5):481-483.
[10] Bosma PJ, Chowdhury JR, Bakker C, et al. The genetic basis of the reduced expression of bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1 in Gilbert's syndrome. N Engl J Med. 1995;333(18):1171-1175.
[11] Vitek L, Ostrow JD. Bilirubin chemistry and metabolism; harmful and protective aspects. Curr Pharm Des.2009;15(25):2869-2873.
[12] Farhana A, Guttman J. The role of bilirubin in health and disease: A review. Clin Biochem. 2021;91:7-12.

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