What is Direct Bilirubin (D. Bilirubin) test?
Bilirubin is a bile pigment that is excreted along with other acids. If there are distrubances in this, bilirubin levels may increase in the Blood. Diseases such as haemolytic anaemia, viral infections, auto-immune diseases, specific cancers and consuming liver-damaging drugs and having undetected gall stones can elevate bilirubin levels.
Why get the Direct Bilirubin (D. Bilirubin) test?
Doctors may order this test in newborns who have physiological jaundice to monitor their liver function. This test is also ordered for those who have jaundice. With this test, doctors can help assessing the cause of the condition. If there is an obstruction in the biliary tree, direct bilirubin levels would be elevated. Indirect bilirubin might be elevated, if the person is suffering from haemolysis.
When to take this test?
AnytimeEvery 6 monthsNo particular precautions are required, unless it is recommended by your doctor.D.Bilirubin