What is a bilirubin blood level?
• Bilirubin is a chemical that is released into your blood, which results from the breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin is used by the liver, to make bile. • Normally, only a small amount of bilirubin is present in your blood. When the blood bilirubin levels are increased, it may be a sign of a liver or blood problem. • Because bilirubin can appear to be somewhat reddish in color, as the levels in the blood go higher, the whites of your eyes (sclerae) may turn yellow. Also, your skin may look yellow. This is called jaundice, or icterus. • You may have this test performed if your healthcare provider wants to: • Check for blockage in your bile duct, liver or gall bladder – Bile is released into your intestines by way of the common bile duct. If there is a blockage in the gallbladder or liver, your blood bilirubin levels will rise as a result. • Check to see how your liver is working – if there is an infection or damage to the liver due to chemotherapy, the bilirubin levels may rise •
