Bilirubin (Gesamtbilirubin)

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin that is formed during the decomposition of old red blood cells. The laboratory value measures the total bilirubin concentration in the blood, which consists of direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin.

Here is the translation: A bilirubin test is recommended for: • People with symptoms such as jaundice (icterus), dark urine or lighter stool • Patients suspected of having liver or biliary tract diseases (e.g. hepatitis, bile duct obstruction) • Newborns to investigate neonatal jaundice • Monitoring of patients with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis

The test serves the diagnosis of diseases associated with impaired bilirubin processing, such as liver diseases, bile duct obstruction or hemolysis (increased breakdown of red blood cells).

Here is the translation: An elevated bilirubin level can indicate the following conditions: • Liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis • Bile duct obstruction or gallstones • Hemolytic anemias (increased breakdown of red blood cells) A low value is unremarkable and has no clinical significance. Symptoms of elevated bilirubin can include: • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) • Dark urine and light-colored stool • Fatigue and nausea

The testing can be carried out at any time of the day.

• Bilirubin is often divided into direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin to better identify the cause of an increase. • Newborns often have elevated bilirubin levels, which is usually harmless in physiological neonatal jaundice, but must be monitored if the values remain persistently high. • Certain medications or liver diseases can increase bilirubin levels.