Bilirubin Total and Direct Test

A bilirubin test is performed to check one’s liver health as levels that are higher than the normal range of bilirubin may indicate diseases of the liver or bile duct. At Max Lab, it is very easy to book a well-priced bilirubin test (serum) with at-home sample collection.

Overview of the Bilirubin Total and Direct Test

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in the blood. It is a waste product that is created as red blood cells break down. This bilirubin is sent to the liver where it is used to make bile, which aids digestion. Healthy adults produce 250-350 mg of bilirubin every day, most of which is excreted via stools and urine. The serum bilirubin or s bilirubin test is generally prescribed to detect liver conditions like hepatitis or blockages like gallstones. Conjugated or direct bilirubin in a serum sample refers to the amount of bilirubin in the blood that is attached to glucuronic acid, an acid derived from glucose, while the unattached bilirubin is referred to as indirect or unconjugated bilirubin. The total bilirubin in a serum sample is a sum of both direct and indirect bilirubin.

When is the Bilirubin Total and Direct Test Prescribed?

There are several reasons that may require one to undergo a serum (sr) bilirubin test. These include:

• If a person is displaying symptoms that indicate gallbladder disease or liver diseases like cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc., the total and direct bilirubin test may be prescribed for a diagnosis. These symptoms include dark-coloured urine, stomach ache, or jaundice.
• The test can also help detect if there are any blockages in the bile ducts that carry bile from the liver.
• The bilirubin blood test is also prescribed to check the progression of existing liver disease or disorder and to monitor how effective a treatment plan is.
• For the diagnosis of health conditions that may cause issues with the process of breaking down red blood cells. The bilirubin test can also help doctors diagnose conditions like haemolytic anaemia in which the body destroys red blood cells much faster than they are produced.
• The test is also performed in cases where a baby is born with jaundice to monitor liver function. This could be because of normal changes in metabolism, or it can be a sign of a serious medical problem.

The bilirubin test is often also performed as a part of a panel of tests in an individual’s regular full body health check-up to monitor the health of the liver. Apart from a bilirubin test, the price of these panels also includes tests for total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphate, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase.

Time Required for Test report + Next Steps

One can book a serum or s bilirubin test at a cost-effective price online at Max Lab and opt for at-home sample collection for enhanced convenience. The total and direct bilirubin test report is generated within 24 hours and can be collected from the nearest Max Lab, or it can be downloaded from the Max Lab website.

Once the results of the bilirubin test have been received, it is recommended that one consults a doctor with their report. A doctor can perform a proper diagnosis based on the results and an individual’s overall health and suggest a treatment plan or further testing, if required.