
Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect)









The Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect) is a blood test that measures the levels of three different components of bilirubin including total, direct, and indirect. This test is often done as a part of a liver function test (LFT) to assess liver function and detect possible liver or blood disorders. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions primarily affecting the liver, red blood cells, and bile ducts.








What does Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect) measure?
Contains 3 testsThe Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect) test measures the level of three forms of bilirubin such as total bilirubin, direct (conjugated bilirubin), and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin in the blood. Total bilirubin represents the sum of direct and indirect bilirubin. Direct bilirubin is the water-soluble form of bilirubin that has been processed by the liver via a conjugation process with glucuronic acid and is ready to be excreted into the bile ducts and ultimately into the intestines. Indirect bilirubin is the water-insoluble form of bilirubin that has not yet been processed by the liver and is bound to albumin in the blood. It is formed in the spleen and liver during the breakdown of hemoglobin from old or damaged red blood cells and cannot be excreted directly by the liver. Instead, it is transported to the liver, where it undergoes conjugation to become direct bilirubin.
Getting tested with the Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect) test provides valuable information into various aspects of liver function, bile duct health, and the body’s ability to break down and eliminate bilirubin.
The Bilirubin Indirect test measures the amount of indirect or unconjugated bilirubin in your body. Bilirubin is a yellowish byproduct primarily produced when your body breaks down aged red blood cells (RBCs). When RBCs finish their lifespan of 120 days, they break down and pass to your liver. Indirect bilirubin, a form of bilirubin that is unconjugated (not soluble in water), is bound to the protein albumin that helps transport it to the liver. When the liver processes the bilirubin, it unbinds from the albumin and binds to a sugar molecule, making it water-soluble. This water-soluble bilirubin is mixed with bile, excreted in the bile ducts, and stored in your gallbladder. Finally, bile is released into the small intestine to help digest fat and is eventually excreted with your stool as a waste product.
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The Bilirubin Direct test measures the amount of direct or conjugated bilirubin present in your body. Bilirubin is a yellowish byproduct primarily produced when the body breaks down aged RBCs. When the RBCs finish their lifespan of 120 days, they break down and pass to the liver. In the liver, direct bilirubin–a form of bilirubin conjugated with glucuronic acid (sugar)–is processed, mixed with bile, and then excreted in the bile ducts and stored in your gallbladder. Finally, the bile is released into the small intestine where it is further broken down and helps digest fat. It is eventually excreted within your stool as a waste product.
Elevated levels of bilirubin can be indicative of various liver or bile duct issues. Additionally, higher bilirubin levels might result from an increased breakdown of red blood cells in the body.
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The Bilirubin Total examination quantifies the levels of total bilirubin in the body, encompassing both indirect (unconjugated) and direct (conjugated) bilirubin. Bilirubin, a yellowish waste substance, is primarily generated during the breakdown of aging red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. After their typical lifespan of 120 days, RBCs disintegrate in the liver, leading to the production of a substantial amount of bilirubin. It is crucial for this bilirubin to be eliminated from the body.
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FAQs related to Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect)
- Direct Bilirubin [Internet]. University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 13 May 2024]. Available from:
- Witek K, Ścisłowska J, Turowski D, Lerczak K, Lewandowska-Pachecka S, Pokrywka A. Total bilirubin in athletes, determination of reference range. Biol Sport. 2017;34(1):45-48. [Accessed 13 May 2024]. Available from:
- Bilirubin [Internet]. ScienceDirect; 2010 [Accessed 13 May 2024]. Available from:
- Total Bilirubin (Blood) [Internet]. University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 13 May 2024]. Available from:
- Kalakonda A, Jenkins BA, John S. Physiology, Bilirubin. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from:
- Hoilat GJ, John S. Bilirubinuria. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from:
- Rizvi MR, Alaskar FM, Albaradie RS, Rizvi NF, Al-Abdulwahab K. A Novel Non-invasive Technique of Measuring Bilirubin Levels Using BiliCapture. Oman Med J. 2019 Jan;34(1):26-33. [Accessed 13 May 2024]. Available from:
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