HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Bilirubin
What To Think About
- Bilirubin can be measured in amniotic fluid if your doctor thinks that your unborn baby may have a condition that destroys red blood cells (erythroblastosis fetalis). For more information, see the topic Reference Amniocentesis.
- Bilirubin may also be measured in the urine in some cases. Normally, urine does not contain any bilirubin. If bilirubin is detected in urine, additional testing may be needed to determine the cause. High amounts of bilirubin in urine may indicate that the bilirubin is not being removed from the body by the liver.
- Using a transcutaneous bilirubin test, doctors can screen all newborns for jaundice. They place a device gently against the skin to check bilirubin levels before a baby goes home from the hospital. For more information, see the topic Reference Jaundice in Newborns.
| 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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