A bilirubin test is performed to measure the amount of bilirubin present in the blood. The liver produces bilirubin, a brownish yellow substance, during the process of breaking down red blood cells in the liver. Bilirubin is subsequently removed from the body through the stools and imparts to it its natural brown color. Bilirubin also circulates in the blood in indirect as well as direct form. Indirect bilirubin is generally unconjugated and does not dissolve in water. It travels in the bloodstream to the liver and is converted into soluble bilirubin. Direct bilirubin on the other hand, is conjugated and can dissolve in water. High bilirubin levels may be indicative of a number of disorders. Jaundice is one of the most characteristic examples of such a disorder. Specifically in the case of newborns, high bilirubin levels can result in hearing loss, brain damage, muscular disorders and physical abnormalities. Other disorders that can be diagnosed with the help of a bilirubin test include liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis. In addition, bilirubin tests conducted on newborns helps ascertain hemolytic disease and other similar conditions that cause the destruction of red blood cells like hemolytic anemia. Bilirubin tests for newborns may also be prescribed to detect neonatal jaundice.
A bilirubin test can also help diagnose whether or not there is a blockage in the bile duct, to detect the presence of tumors and gallstones. Before the test, adults will be requested not to eat or drink for at least four hours prior to the test. Children do not require any such preparation. While performing the test on newborns, the blood sample will be procured from the newborn's heel. The skin of the baby's heel will first be cleaned with some alcohol and it will then be punctured with a sterilized lancet. Several drops of blood will then be collected in a small tube for the purpose of the test. After blood has been taken from the baby's heel, the puncture site will be bandaged with gauze. Some pressure is applied immediately after blood sample collection to help prevent bleeding. It is normal for a small bruise to develop on your baby's heel after a bilirubin test. This bruise or any minor bleeding will however, heal on its own. If your child's heel continues to bleed, then this may be indicative of a bleeding disorder and you should contact your child's health care practitioner immediately.
Submitted by M T on April 7, 2010 at 11:25