The Bilirubin Total Test checks the levels of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin comes from breaking down red blood cells and is important for assessing the health of the liver and blood. The liver handles bilirubin, making it easy to dissolve in water so that it can be removed through bile and expelled in faeces. Normal bilirubin levels vary with age, and newborns may have slightly higher levels as their livers develop. High levels in adults could indicate liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis, or conditions involving the breakdown of red blood cells.

The Bilirubin Total Test checks the levels of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin comes from breaking down red blood cells and is important for assessing the health of the liver and blood. The liver handles bilirubin, making it easy to dissolve in water so that it can be removed through bile and expelled in faeces. Normal bilirubin levels vary with age, and newborns may have slightly higher levels as their livers develop. High levels in adults could indicate liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis, or conditions involving the breakdown of red blood cells.

Doctors order the Bilirubin Total Test when there are symptoms of jaundice, such as yellow skin, yellow eyes, tiredness, abdominal pain, dark urine, or pale stools. This test involves taking a small amount of blood, usually from the arm, and measuring bilirubin levels in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or micromoles per litre (µmol/L). 

Understanding the total bilirubin levels and the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated bilirubin is essential for interpreting the results. Elevated total bilirubin may indicate issues with the liver or increased breakdown of red blood cells. The ratio helps identify the specific causes: more conjugated bilirubin may suggest liver disease, while extra unconjugated bilirubin indicates problems with red blood cell breakdown.