What is bilirubin, norm and deviation?

Bilirubin is a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin. It is defined in serum and is divided into direct and indirect. The method of investigation is photometric calorimetry. The unit of measurement of direct and indirect bilirubin is μmol per liter. Biomaterials for analysis can be venous or capillary blood. Before going to the laboratory, the patient should not eat 12 hours before the test is taken and do not smoke for 30 minutes.

What is bilirubin? The laboratory determines the quantitative content of bilirubin in the blood. It acts as a pigment of a yellow-brown color and gives urine, bile and feces the appropriate color.

Hemoglobin is one of the parts of the erythrocyte. From the respiratory system, hemoglobin transports oxygen to tissues, and in the opposite direction - carbon dioxide. As a result of metabolism, hemoglobin is split, from which indirect bilirubin (unconjugated) is formed. For a day it forms up to 250 mg. After this, there is a further transformation in the liver. Hepatocytes bind bilirubin to glucuronic acid, thus converting it into a conjugated (direct) one. This kind of bilirubin is able to dissolve in liquids. There is a small amount of indirect pigment in the blood. With a metabolic disorder, its concentration may increase, leading to hyperbilirubinemia. The high concentration is indicated by signs of jaundice: yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera, and itching.

What is bilirubin? There are three types of bilirubin metabolism disorders:

1. Hemolysis of red blood cells. Occurs when the red blood cells are destroyed. It is observed in sickle-cell anemia, scrotal disease, hemolytic disease of newborns, and so on. Also hemolysis can occur as a result of exposure to toxic substances on the body.

2. Violation of anatomical or functional integrity of hepatocytes. Such a state is caused by viral hepatitis, as well as toxic effects of alcohol, medicines, household and industrial chemicals.

3. Obstruction for the passage of bile to the intestines from the biliary tract. Occurs when the pathways are compressed or deformed in tumors, lymph node enlargement or dyskinesia.

What is bilirubin? The bilirubin assay helps determine a number of pathological conditions that are directly or indirectly associated with liver disorders or hematopoiesis.

Such an analysis is necessary to:

- diagnose various types of anemia;

- Evaluate the integrity of liver cells;

- identify viral hepatitis;

- Make sure the patency of the bile ducts;

- for detection of hemolytic anemia of newborns;

- Clarify the severity of the patient's condition for various types of poisoning.

What is bilirubin? An increase in the level indicates the destruction of red blood cells, damage to hepatocytes, or a violation of the outflow of bile through the bile ducts. Reduction of bilirubin has practically no diagnostic value. To determine the level, you need to pass an analysis for bilirubin. The norm is up to 20 μmol / l for an adult.