Bilirubin

The Bilirubin is a non-invasive test that detects bilirubin in the urine sample. It helps assess liver health and diagnose various conditions such as liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction etc.

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.Normally, bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted in bile. However, when the liver is damaged or bile ducts are blocked, bilirubin spills over into the blood and is excreted in the urine. The urine bilirubin test detects bilirubin, and tells how well your liver is working to process and eliminate bilirubin. 

The Bilirubin test helps detect liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and bile duct obstruction. It is also useful in diagnosing conditions associated with increased red blood cell destruction, such as hemolytic anemia. Additionally, this test can monitor the progression of known liver conditions and the effectiveness of treatments.

Doctors may recommend the Bilirubin test when there are signs or symptoms of liver disease, such as jaundice, dark urine etc., or  when the results of liver function tests show deranged results. 

Elevated bilirubin levels in the urine can indicate liver diseases or hemolytic disorders. Conversely, low or absent bilirubin levels may suggest biliary obstruction or severe liver dysfunction where bilirubin is not adequately processed.

Drink enough water to provide a urine sample. A mid-stream urine sample should be collected into a sterile container provided by the sample collection professional. Women are advised not to give the sample during their menstrual period unless prescribed, as it can interfere with certain test results. Inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements that you may be taking as these may affect the test results , potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test. 

Don't self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.