Why it's done

Bilirubin testing is usually done as part of a group of tests to check the health of your liver. Bilirubin testing may be done to:

• Investigate jaundice — a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin. A common use of this test is to measure bilirubin levels in newborns to check for infant jaundice.
• Determine whether there might be blockage in your bile ducts, in either the liver or the gallbladder.
• Help detect liver disease, particularly hepatitis, or monitor its progression.
• Help evaluate anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells.
• Help follow how a treatment is working.
• Help evaluate a suspected drug toxicity.

Some common tests that might be done at the same time as bilirubin testing include

• Liver function tests. Blood tests that measure certain enzymes or proteins in your blood.
• Albumin and total protein. Levels of albumin — a protein made by the liver — and total protein show how well your liver is making proteins that your body needs to fight infections and perform other functions.
• Complete blood count. This test measures several components and features of your blood.
• Prothrombin time. This test measures the clotting time of plasma.