what is direct and indirect bilirubin
In the liver, bilirubin is rendered soluble by conjugation withglucuronide. The water-soluble bilirubin, called direct or conjugated, is transported along withoth er bile co nstit uents in to th e bile ducts, th en to th e int estin es.
Bilirubin is a tetrapyrrole and a breakdown product of heme catabolism. Most bilirubin (70%-90%) is derived from hemoglobin degradation and, to a lesser extent, from other hemo proteins. In its unconjugated form, bilirubin is water-insoluble and binds avidly to tissues such as brain, sclera, and mucous membranes.