Indirect Bilirubin

Indirect Bilirubin

What's

Indirect Bilirubin

Indirect bilirubin is a type of bilirubin that flows freely in your blood, waiting to be processed by your liver. It's created when your body naturally breaks down old red blood cells as part of its regular renewal process. After the red blood cells have done their job, they're taken apart, and some of their components form indirect bilirubin. This yellowish substance then makes its way to your liver, where it's changed into a form that can be removed from your body. In short, indirect bilirubin is like a traveler going from your blood to your liver, playing an important role in your body's recycling system.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated indirect bilirubin levels might mean that your body is breaking down red blood cells faster than usual, or your liver is having trouble handling the bilirubin. This could be due to various reasons, such as your body's immune system working extra hard, certain inherited conditions, or taking specific medications like antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. It's also possible that something is blocking the bile ducts, or there's an issue with your liver's ability to change indirect bilirubin into its direct form.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Indirect Bilirubin could include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light-colored stools, and general feelings of fatigue or weakness.

If Your Levels are Low

If your indirect bilirubin levels are lower than normal, it might mean that your body isn't breaking down red blood cells as quickly as it usually does. This could be due to various reasons, such as not producing enough red blood cells, the cells lasting longer in your body, or even certain medications or diet choices affecting the process. Some possible causes for this situation could be nutritional deficiencies or specific genetic factors that impact how your body creates and maintains red blood cells.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Indirect Bilirubin are typically not noticeable, as this condition often doesn't present any specific signs.

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See References

Test for

Hepatic Function Panel by Access Med Labs

Serum

The Hepatic Function Panel analyzes a variety of important liver health markers to investigate overall hepatic function.

Bilirubin, Indirect by Access Med Labs

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring indirect bilirubin. It is used to evaluate liver and biliary diseases.

Bilirubin, Total and Direct by Access Labcorp Draw

Serum

This panel measures total, direct, and indirect bilirubin. It is used to evaluate liver and biliary diseases.

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High Levels

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