Total Bilirubin Test is used to check Bilirubin, Jaundice and Liver Disease.Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. Bilirubin is produced when the liver breaks down hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying substance in red blood cells. Bilirubin is then removed from the body through the stool (feces) and gives stool its normal brown color.
Bilirubin circulates in the bloodstream in two forms:
•Indirect (or unconjugated) bilirubin. This form of bilirubin does not dissolve in water (it is insoluble). Indirect bilirubin travels through the bloodstream to the liver, where it is changed into a soluble form.
•Direct (or conjugated) bilirubin. After indirect bilirubin has been changed by the liver into a form that dissolves in water (soluble), it is called direct or conjugated bilirubin.
Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are measured directly in the blood by Total Bilirubin Test, whereas indirect bilirubin levels are derived from the total and direct bilirubin measurements.
The most obvious symptom of high bilirubin levels is jaundice, a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow. Jaundice is caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the blood and skin from liver disease (hepatitis), blood disorders (hemolytic anemia), or blockage of the tubes (bile ducts) that allow bile to pass from the liver to the small intestine.
Call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS (1-888-333-5227) to speak to our medical staff, or simply place your order online for Total Bilirubin Test.
