Bilirubin Direct

Bilirubin is a byproduct of broken down old or damaged red blood cells. In the liver, it is changed into direct bilirubin, which can be easily eliminated from your body. Bilirubin and other waste products turn into a fluid called bile. The bile is passed out of your body through the intestines. Bilirubin is the pigment that gives bile its distinctive yellow color.

You may need the Bilirubin Direct test if you experience symptoms suggestive of liver problems, such as the yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark-colored urine, belly pain, chest pain, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. This test may also be done to monitor jaundice and neonatal jaundice in newborns. Usually, no special preparation is required for this test; eat and drink as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your liver health and formulate your overall treatment plan.