what does bilirubin total mean
A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in a blood sample. Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells.Bilirubin is then removed from the body through the stool (feces) and gives stool its normal color.he bilirubin test is used to: 1  Check liver function and watch for signs of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, or the effects of medicines that can damage the liver. 2  Find out if something is blocking the bile ducts. 3  This may occur if gallstones, tumors of the pancreas, or other conditions are present.
Usually, a chemical test is used to first measure the total bilirubin level (unconjugated plus conjugated bilirubin). If the total bilirubin level is increased, the laboratory can use a second chemical test to detect water-soluble forms of bilirubin, called direct bilirubin.The direct bilirubin test provides an estimate of the amount of conjugated bilirubin present.ests for bilirubin may also be ordered when someone is suspected of having (or known to have) hemolytic anemia as a cause of anemia. In this case, it is often ordered along with other tests used to evaluate hemolysis, such as complete blood count, reticulocyte count, haptoglobin, and LDH.