Definition - What does Bilirubin, Total mean?
Bilirubin Total is a blood test that measures the quantity of bilirubin present in order to evaluate liver function. This test is sometimes included in a group of tests such as a urine test, ultrasound, and liver biopsy. This Bilirubin test is usually performed on patients with darkened urine, yellow eyes and skin, and stomach ache. Bilirubin total is also called Total Bilirubin.
SureHire explains Bilirubin, Total
The Total Bilirubin test measures the combined levels of conjugated and non-conjugated bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment in the blood and waste that is produced when red blood cells naturally deconstruct. Bilirubin travels through the bloodstream to the liver and stored in the gall bladder. When the bilirubin is released as bile into the small intestine, it aids digestion and is evacuated from the body.
The normal level of total bilirubin in adults is in the range of 0.3 and 1.0 milligrams per deciliter. High levels of bilirubin can be indicative of a blocked gall bladder or bile duct, or of liver dysfunction. Health issues that may cause this can stem from the blood or the liver. In the liver the health conditions could be hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatic cancer, or gall stones. Blood health conditions causing high levels of bilirubin include hemolytic anemia and an adverse reaction to a blood transfusion.
