Direct and Indirect Bilirubin Test (Bilirubin Total)

Direct and Indirect Bilirubin Test Overview

A direct and indirect bilirubin test are jointly used by doctors to understand the total bilirubin levels in your body. Bilirubin is formed by the breaking down of red blood cells. The liver takes the bilirubin from the blood and changes its chemical composition. This allows bilirubin to be excreted out of the body with stool. 

If you have an abnormally high level of bilirubin in your blood, it could indicate problems with your liver or kidneys. A direct and indirect bilirubin test can help doctors diagnose liver and kidney damage, which if left untreated could lead to serious health complications.

When Is Direct and Indirect Bilirubin Test Prescribed?

A direct and indirect bilirubin test is prescribed by doctors to monitor any problems with the functioning of the liver and the kidneys. Some of the symptoms that warrant doctors to prescribe a direct and indirect bilirubin test include:

• Vomiting and nausea

• Unexplained weight loss

• Dark urine and pale stool

• Inflammation in the lower extremities

• Abdominal pain and swelling

Components of Direct and Indirect Bilirubin Test

There are two components to a direct and indirect bilirubin test namely direct or conjugated bilirubin test and indirect or unconjugated bilirubin test. Typical results for a total bilirubin test are 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults and usually 1 mg/dL for those under 18. 

The normal levels of direct bilirubin are 0.0 to 0.3 mg/dL and the normal levels for indirect bilirubin are 0.2 to 0.8 mg/dL. The total bilirubin value in blood should ideally be around 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL.

Based on your test results doctors can diagnose several conditions that relate to your liver and kidney health with this test. Conditions include:

• Drug induced liver damage
• Liver cirrhosis
• Biliary tract disorders
• Gilbert's disease
• Hemolytic anaemia
• Crigler-Najjar Syndrome

Procedure And Prerequisites 

The procedure for performing a direct and indirect bilirubin test involves drawing blood from the veins of the patient and sending the sample for testing. 

You should avoid eating or drinking for 4 hours before the test. Your doctor may also instruct you to stop taking certain medicines before the test because they may interfere with the results. Certain Drugs that can increase bilirubin levels in your blood / lower bilirubin levels in your blood .