Bilirubin

The bilirubin initially is "unconjugated," and travels through the bloodstream to the liver. In the liver, it is metabolized to "conjugated" bilirubin, and excreted in the liver bile.

An increase in breakdown of red cells (such as in hemolysis) leads to an increase in unconjugated bilirubin. Liver disease leads to loss of conjugated bilirubin into the bloodstream and a measurable increase.

Total bilirubin is a combination of both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin.

Elevations in Unconjugated Bilirubin are found in:

• Hemolysis
• Trauma leading to a hematoma
• Hemorrhagic pulmonary infarcts

Elevations in Conjugated Bilirubin are found in:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Obstruction of the bile duct

Elevations in both Unconjugated and Conjugated Bilirubin are found in:

• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Drug-induced cholestasis

Normal Values*

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.