Bilirubin (pronounced Billy-rubin) is a yellow breakdown product produced by the degradation of red blood cells. Elevated bilirubin levels can lead to jaundice. While high bilirubin levels are often observed in newborns, in adults, they may indicate liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or gallstones. Additionally, individuals with sickle cell disease may experience increased bilirubin levels due to the destruction of red blood cells.Bilirubin tests are conducted alongside other blood tests when a patient exhibits symptoms of abnormal liver function.

Hi,A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in a blood sample. Bilirubin is a brownish-yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin is then eliminated from the body through stool (feces), giving it its normal brown color.Bilirubin circulates in the bloodstream in two forms:Indirect (or unconjugated) bilirubin. This form of bilirubin does not dissolve in water (it is insoluble). Indirect bilirubin travels through the bloodstream to the liver, where it is converted into a soluble form (direct or conjugated).Direct (or conjugated) bilirubin. Direct bilirubin is soluble (it dissolves in water) and is produced by the liver from indirect bilirubin.Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are measured directly in the blood, while indirect bilirubin levels are calculated from the total and direct bilirubin measurements.The most noticeable symptom of high bilirubin levels is jaundice, a condition where the skin and the whites of the eyes appear yellow. Jaundice occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and skin from liver disease (hepatitis), blood disorders (