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Bilirubin Level


Why is this procedure done?


A bilirubin test measures the levels of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a waste product from broken down red blood cells. It is carried by the blood to your liver. Too much bilirubin in the blood causes the skin to have a yellowish tone, called jaundice. It may be a sign of liver damage or disease. ‚  
A bilirubin test is done to: ‚  
  • Find the cause of your jaundice
  • Check if there is a blockage in or around your liver
  • Find liver disease, like hepatitis
  • See if your body is damaging your red blood cells
  • Monitor types of anemia, like sickle cell
  • See if a treatment is working
  • See if you are getting too much of a certain drug
  • Determine if a newborn babys body is working correctly


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What will the results be?


  • The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
  • If the results are normal, it means your liver is likely working in a normal way.
  • If the results are not normal, you may have a problem with your liver, thyroid, or gallbladder.
  • Your doctor may order another test. This will help check a result that is not normal or to learn more about a diagnosis.
  • The doctor will talk with you about treatment.

What happens before the procedure?


  • There are no special things to do before the test.
  • Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking
    • Any bleeding problems
    • Your daily intake of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
    • Any family history of jaundice

What happens during the procedure?


  • It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing.
  • Instead of using a needle, the staff may prick your finger and smear some blood on a slide or collect it in a small tube. In babies, the heel is pricked instead of the finger.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
  • Ask your doctor when you will get the results.

What care is needed at home?


You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your bilirubin level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Pain
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Infection

Where can I learn more?


American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚  
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bilirubin/tab/faq ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_bilirubin.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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