Bilirubin
Why It Is Done
The bilirubin test is used to:
- Check liver function and watch for signs of liver disease, such as Reference hepatitis Opens New Window or Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window, or the effects of medicines that can damage the liver.
- Find out if something is blocking the bile ducts. This may occur if Reference gallstones Opens New Window, tumors of the pancreas, or other conditions are present.
- Diagnose conditions that cause increased destruction of Reference red blood cells Opens New Window, such as hemolytic anemia or Reference hemolytic disease of the newborn Opens New Window.
- Help make decisions about whether newborn babies with Reference neonatal jaundice Opens New Window need treatment. These babies may need treatment with special lights, called phototherapy. In rare cases, blood transfusions may be needed.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 11, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Chuck Norlin, MD - Pediatrics |
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