Bilirubin - Direct Test in AIIMS, Delhi

A bilirubin test is used to detect increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. Increased level of bilirubin can be caused due to jaundice, liver disease, hemolytic anemia and block of bile ducts. Bilirubin is an orange-yellow pigment, a waste product primarily produced by the normal breakdown of the heme. Heme is a component of hemoglobin, which is found in Red Blood Cells (RBC). Bilirubin is ultimately processed by the liver to allow its elimination from the body. Any condition that accelerates the breakdown of RBCs or affects the processing and elimination of the bilirubin may cause an elevated blood level. There are two types of bilirubin which can be measured by the laboratory tests: Unconjugated and Conjugated bilirubin. A chemical test is initially performed by the laboratory to measure the bilirubin level (conjugated and unconjugated; total bilirubin) if it shows increased level then a second chemical test called direct-bilirubin is performed. This test is ordered when signs of the following are observed: jaundice, an excessive amount of alcohol, exposed to hepatitis causing virus, dark-colored urine, abdominal pain, and fatigue.