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Is Bilirubin Good or Bad?

Published in Bilirubin Levels 2 mins read

A small amount of bilirubin is necessary, but high levels are bad, indicating potential health problems.

Understanding Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. It's a waste product that's normally processed and eliminated by the liver via the intestines. Cleveland Clinic A healthy liver efficiently removes bilirubin. However, when the liver isn't functioning correctly, bilirubin builds up in the blood, leading to a condition called hyperbilirubinemia, which can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Mayo Clinic

When Bilirubin is Bad:

High bilirubin levels signal potential problems:

  • Liver disease: A damaged or diseased liver struggles to process bilirubin, causing a buildup. University of Rochester Medical Center
  • Other health issues: Elevated indirect bilirubin can indicate various other health problems. Mayo Clinic
  • Newborn Jaundice: While often harmless and resolving within weeks, high bilirubin levels in newborns (above 20) require monitoring and treatment. Seattle Children's Adequate feeding helps reduce bilirubin levels in newborns. Seattle Children's

When Bilirubin is Normal:

A small amount of bilirubin in the blood is a normal part of the body's process of breaking down and removing old red blood cells. The liver's role in eliminating bilirubin makes a bilirubin blood test a useful indicator of liver health. MedlinePlus

Bilirubin Blood Test

A bilirubin blood test measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood. This helps determine liver function and identify potential issues. Mount Sinai The test is non-invasive and involves a simple blood draw. WebMD