What is Bilirubin in Blood Test? What is High and Low Bilirubin Value? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Mar 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
A blood bilirubin test is a test that measures the number of bilirubin in your blood.
Bilirubin is a substance formed as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Red blood cells break down and regenerate when they reach the end of their lifespan, which lasts about 120 days. There is plenty of hemoglobin protein in the destroyed cells. Bilirubin is formed as a result of the breakdown of the hemoglobin protein. The bilirubin formed passes into the blood and goes to the liver. Bilirubin in the liver is processed and added to bile. Bilirubin passes into the gallbladder through the bile ducts and then travels to the small intestine. Finally, it is excreted from the body through feces.
If bilirubin is high or low, it is seen as a symptom of some diseases such as liver, biliary tract and anemia. Bilirubin, which can leak into the blood and urine as a result of liver damage, is measured by blood and urine tests and used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
What is A Normal Bilirubin Value in Blood Test ?
The normal value of bilirubin in blood test is 0,40-1,35 mg/dl for adults. However, bilirubin values vary according to age. Values by age are as follows:
0.40-12.00 mg/dl in premature babies
0.40-16.00 mg/dl in babies aged 0-7 days
0.40-10.00 mg/dl in babies aged 7 days to 1 month
0.40-2.00 mg/dl in 2-3 month old babies
0.40-1.35 mg/dl for 3 months in children and adults
Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. The reference value of the laboratory where the test was performed should be taken into account.
What is Direct, Indirect and Total Bilirubin?
Direct (Conjugated) Bilirubin: It is the water-soluble type that is combined with glucuronic acid in the liver. Some amount of conjugated bilirubin also passes into the urine, and it is conjugated bilirubin that makes its color yellow. Elevated direct bilirubin is most commonly seen in obstructive jaundice in adults.
Indirect (Unconjugated) Bilirubin: This type of bilirubin is the type of bilirubin formed after the destruction of hemoglobin and released into the blood. Indirect bilirubin is transported in the blood bound to albumin. It is insoluble in water. Elevated indirect bilirubin alone, along with normal liver enzymes and negative hepatitis tests, may indicate Gilbert syndrome.
Total Bilirubin: Total bilirubin is the value that gives the sum of all bilirubin in blood components.
What is High Bilirubin Value in Blood Test?
High bilirubin is a value above 1,35 mg/dl for adults in a blood test.
If bilirubin levels are high, it may mean that your liver is not working properly, the body is breaking down too many red blood cells, or bilirubin is not being eliminated from the body.
The condition in which the liver has difficulty processing the normal bilirubin load is called hyperbilirubinemia. However, abnormal results do not always require treatment. Some medications and foods or strenuous exercise can cause high bilirubin levels. The results should be evaluated by a specialist.
What Causes High Bilirubin in Blood Test?
Gallstones
Gilbert Syndrome
Liver Dysfunction
Hepatitis
Cholecystitis
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Hemolytic Anemia
High Bilirubin Symptoms
Jaundice
Dark urine color
Itching
Light colored stool
Stomach ache
Swelling in the abdominal area
Chills, fever
Chest pain
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
How to Treat High Bilirubin Level?
In order to treat high bilirubin, the underlying health problems that cause high bilirubin must first be investigated. Elevated bilirubin can be seen in newborns. This is because newborns' bodies are not developed enough to remove accumulated bilirubin. In this case, treatment for high bilirubin may be in the form of IV immunoglobulin, blood transfusion, or phototherapy (light therapy). In older children and adults, high bilirubin can commonly mean problems with the gallbladder and liver. Therefore, it may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of the problem and provide treatment. Treatment methods include surgical methods and finally organ transplantation. In addition, some medications can cause bilirubin to rise. In this case, drug treatment can be stopped. By treating the factor causing elevated bilirubin, bilirubin levels begin to decrease.
What is Low Bilirubin in Blood Test?
Low bilirubin in a blood test is a value below 0,40 mg/dl for adults. Low bilirubin may not usually indicate a problem.
Low bilirubin is called hypo bilirubinemia.
What Causes Low Bilirubin in Blood Test?
Low bilirubin may occur as a result of consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, barbiturates and caffeine. In some cases, decreased bilirubin may be associated with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism), polymyositis and Sjogren's syndrome. Therefore, the underlying cause of low bilirubin may need to be diagnosed.
Low Bilirubin Symptoms
Low bilirubin usually does not cause any symptoms. Low bilirubin levels may occur during routine blood tests.
How to Treat Low Bilirubin Level?
Treatment of low bilirubin is directed to the underlying cause. No specific treatment is recommended for low bilirubin. Some experts think that bilirubin has antioxidant properties. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, bilirubin; It is thought to be protective against many diseases such as coronary artery disease, ulcerative colitis, stroke, and eye diseases. However, since the body's antioxidant capacity will decrease, a diet with high antioxidant content can be applied. Flavonoid-rich cabbage, blackberries, oranges, etc. Consuming fruits and vegetables can provide the body with essential antioxidant compounds.