Bilirubin Test

A bilirubin test measures the levels of bilirubin in your blood.

Bilirubin is a substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels of bilirubin (jaundice) might indicate liver damage or disease or certain types of anemia.

Higher than normal levels of bilirubin may indicate different types of liver or bile duct problems. Occasionally, higher bilirubin levels may be caused by an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis).

Bilirubin testing may be done to:

• Investigate jaundice — a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin. A common use of this test is to measure bilirubin levels in newborns to check for infant jaundice.
• Determine whether there might be blockage in your bile ducts, in either the liver or the gallbladder.
• Help detect liver disease, particularly hepatitis, or monitor its progression.
• Help evaluate anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells.
• Help follow how a treatment is working.
• Help evaluate a suspected drug toxicity.