Insight into your bilirubin level.
Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells that is processed by the liver and leaves the body through bile. A test gives insight into how your liver processes bilirubin.
Also known as: total bilirubin
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
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Background
What is bilirubin?
Red blood cells live for roughly one hundred and twenty days. When these cells break down, bilirubin is released, a yellow-brown pigment. This bilirubin is transported to the liver. The liver processes it so that it becomes soluble, after which it passes through the bile into the gut and leaves the body. Bilirubin is therefore a marker that says something about this whole route: the breakdown of red blood cells, the processing in the liver and the drainage through the bile ducts.
An elevated bilirubin level is not automatically a cause for concern. Gilbert's syndrome is a common and benign inherited variant in which the liver processes bilirubin somewhat more slowly. People with this variant mainly see their value rise with fasting, illness, stress or lack of sleep. An elevated value can also fit with liver or bile duct problems, or with accelerated breakdown of red blood cells. The value is therefore always assessed together with the liver enzymes and your personal context.
In brief
Breakdown product
Released when red blood cells break down
Liver and bile
Processed by the liver, drained through bile
Gilbert's is common
Benign variant with a slightly elevated value
Fasting and stress
Can temporarily raise the value
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Bilirubin be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Bilirubin can provide insight.
Insight into your liver function
A test gives a snapshot of how your liver and bile ducts process bilirubin.
Together with the liver enzymes
Bilirubin is rarely assessed on its own. Together with ALT, AST, GGT and ALP it gives a fuller picture of the liver and bile ducts.
With a previously elevated value
If a slightly elevated bilirubin was found earlier, people often choose a repeat test while rested and without fasting.
With questions about blood cell breakdown
Bilirubin is released when red blood cells break down. With questions about this, the value is often included.
With lifestyle questions about the liver
Those adjusting alcohol intake, weight or diet often use liver values as a reference point to track the effect.
With long-term medication use
Some medicines and supplements are processed by the liver and can affect the bilirubin level.
What your result means
How do we read your Bilirubin level?
Bilirubin is measured in micromoles per litre (µmol/L). This test measures total bilirubin. The laboratory states the reference values that apply there alongside your result. Important: the value is influenced by fasting, illness, stress and lack of sleep, and is always assessed together with the liver enzymes and your context.
A low value
A low bilirubin level generally has no medical significance and is not a cause for concern. There is therefore no treatment for a low value. Our doctor provides explanation and context with your result.
A normal value
A bilirubin level within the laboratory's reference values gives a reassuring picture for this marker at this moment. It remains a snapshot. Bilirubin is one of the markers for the liver and bile ducts. For a broader picture, the liver enzymes are also assessed.
An elevated value
A slightly elevated bilirubin is often harmless. Gilbert's syndrome is common, benign and gives a higher value precisely with fasting, illness or stress. However, an elevated value can also fit with a liver or bile duct problem, or with accelerated breakdown of red blood cells. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Our doctor assesses your value together with the other liver values and explains whether a repeat test or follow-up via your GP is customary.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your bilirubin level against the laboratory's reference values and your personal context, such as lifestyle, alcohol use, medication use and any known conditions.
Related tests
Often combined with Bilirubin.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Bilirubin with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a bilirubin test?
No, fasting is not needed. In fact, prolonged fasting can temporarily raise the bilirubin level. So eat normally before your draw, unless you are also taking a test that does require fasting, such as glucose.
What is Gilbert's syndrome?
Gilbert's syndrome is a common, inherited and benign variant in which the liver processes bilirubin somewhat more slowly. This gives a slightly elevated value, especially with fasting, illness, stress or lack of sleep. It is not a liver disease and generally requires no treatment. Our doctor will discuss whether your picture fits with this.
Does an elevated bilirubin mean I have liver disease?
No. An elevated value can be harmless, for example with Gilbert's syndrome or after a period of fasting. It can, however, also fit with a liver or bile duct problem or with accelerated breakdown of red blood cells. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. The value is always assessed together with the liver enzymes and your context.
What is the difference from ALT and AST?
ALT and AST are liver enzymes released when liver cells are damaged. Bilirubin says something about the processing and drainage of a breakdown product through the liver and bile ducts. They therefore illuminate different parts of liver function and complement each other.
What affects my bilirubin level?
Fasting, illness, stress, lack of sleep and intensive exercise can temporarily raise the value. Alcohol, certain medicines and supplements also play a role. Mention your medication during the intake so our doctor can take it into account.
Why can my skin or the whites of my eyes turn yellow?
Bilirubin is a yellow-brown pigment. With a strongly elevated value, the whites of the eyes and the skin can take on a yellow colour, which is called jaundice. If you notice this in yourself, contact your GP.
How often should I have bilirubin measured?
A single measurement is enough for initial insight, preferably together with the liver enzymes. If an earlier value was abnormal or you are adjusting your lifestyle, periodic re-testing is customary. Your doctor will advise on this.
What do I do with my result?
You receive a PDF report with your value and a personal explanation from our doctor. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your bilirubin level?
For €49 you receive your bilirubin level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order Bilirubin for €54 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Bilirubin with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
54,-
All-in, blood draw included