Heme is a component of hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells (RBCs). Bilirubin is ultimately processed by the liver to allow its elimination from the body. Any condition that accelerates the breakdown of RBCs or affects the processing and elimination of bilirubin may cause an elevated blood level.
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bilirubin/tab/test
Several inherited chronic conditions increase bilirubin levels in the blood and include Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, and Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The first three are usually mild, chronic conditions that can be aggravated under certain conditions but in general cause no significant health problems.
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Breast milk jaundice: In 1% to 2% of breastfed babies, jaundice is caused by substances in breast milk that can make the bilirubin level rise. These can prevent the excretion of bilirubin through the intestines. It starts after the first 3 to 5 days and slowly improves over 3 to 12 weeks.
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/jaundice.html
A bilirubin test is used to detect an increased level in the blood. It may be used to help determine the cause of jaundice and/or help diagnose conditions such as liver disease, hemolytic anemia, and blockage of the bile ducts.
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bilirubin/tab/test
Treatment depends on the cause of the jaundice. In newborns, phototherapy (special light therapy), blood exchange transfusion, and/or certain drugs may be used to reduce the bilirubin level. In Gilbert, Rotor, and Dubin-Johnson syndromes, no treatment is usually necessary.
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bilirubin/tab/faq
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.
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bilirubin/tab/test
When bilirubin levels are high, the skin and whites of the eyes may appear yellow (jaundice). Jaundice may be caused by liver disease (hepatitis), blood disorders (hemolytic anemia), or blockage of the tubes (bile ducts) that allow bile to pass from the liver to the small intestine.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=129630
Jaundice, a common condition in newborns, refers to the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes that happens when there is too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin (bill-uh-ROO-bin) is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells.
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/jaundice.html
Severe jaundice (when levels of bilirubin are high, usually above 25 mg) that is not treated can cause deafness, cerebral palsy, or other forms of brain damage. In rare cases, jaundice may be a sign of of another condition, such as an infection or a thyroid problem.
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/jaundice.html
Test Overview. 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.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=129630
what is bilirubin levels
A bilirubin test is used to detect an increased level in the blood.