Direct Bilirubin (Conjugated Bilirubin)

Why test for Direct Bilirubin (Conjugated Bilirubin) at Symbion VIP Diagnostics, Ahmedabad ?

This test looks for bilirubin in your blood or urine.

Bilirubin is a substance made when your body breaks down old red blood cells. This is a normal process. Bilirubin is also part of bile, which your liver makes to help digest the food you eat.

A small amount of bilirubin in your blood is normal. Healthy adults make 250 to 350 milligrams (mg) of bilirubin each day.

Bilirubin that is bound to a certain protein (albumin) in the blood is called unconjugated, or indirect, bilirubin. Conjugated, or direct, bilirubin travels from the liver into the small intestine. A very small amount passes into your kidneys and is excreted in your urine. This bilirubin also gives urine its distinctive yellow color.

This test is usually done to look for liver problems, such as hepatitis, or blockages, such as gallstones.

You may need this test if your liver doesn't seem to be working the way it should. Signs and symptoms include:

• Jaundice, or yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes
• Dark-colored urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Pain or swelling in the belly

You may also have this test if you drink a lot of alcohol on a regular basis. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver over time, so you may have this test to check for signs of possible liver damage.

You may also need this test if your healthcare provider suspects that you may have:

• Hepatitis. Your liver can become inflamed for different reasons, including excessive drug or alcohol use and infection from hepatitis viruses. Inflammation of the liver is called hepatitis. When liver cells are damaged from hepatitis, the liver may release both indirect and direct bilirubin into the bloodstream. This causes higher levels.
• Gallstones. The bile duct is a tube that carries bile to the small intestine. Bilirubin or cholesterol can form stones that block the duct. This causes bilirubin—mostly direct bilirubin—to rise in your bloodstream.
• Inflammation of the bile duct. Higher levels of direct bilirubin in your bloodstream may stem from inflammation in the tube that carries bile to the small intestine.

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario. For further information about these lab tests contact Symbion VIP Diagnostics pathology lab Ahmedabad at 09429410291