Bilirubin Index

Bilirubin indicator

Bilirubin indicator is an indicator characterizing the excretory function of the liver. It is calculated as the ratio of the concentrations of direct and indirect bilirubin in the blood serum.

Bilirubin is formed in the body as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is transported to the liver, where it is conjugated with glucuronic acid, converting from indirect (unconjugated) to direct (conjugated) bilirubin. Direct bilirubin is then excreted in bile.

An increase in the level of direct bilirubin compared to indirect bilirubin indicates a violation of the excretory function of the liver. This can be caused by various liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, tumors.

Thus, the bilirubin index allows us to assess the ability of the liver to conjugate and excrete bilirubin. Its determination has important diagnostic value for identifying liver pathology in the early stages.

Nausea and vomiting, dark urine and discoloration of stool are symptoms that are accompanied by a significant increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. 88-92% of bilirubin, which is normally formed inside the body, is produced by the liver, and 7-12% comes there from the intestines. The substance also appears during the breakdown of red blood cells. In most cases, breakdown products, along with toxins, excess vitamins or simply fatty tissue, are excreted from the body with bile, that is, from the digestive system through the intestines. Bilirubin then enters the general bloodstream and plasma. And if its level is high (above 34 µmol/l), doctors diagnose hemolytic anemia.

**How ​​is the bilirubin level (bilirubin) calculated**

Characterizing the functionality of the liver, the bilirubin index is calculated as the ratio of the concentration of direct and indirect bilirubin. It must be taken into account that they react differently to blood. This substance shows the work of the enzyme glucoronyl transferase, which synthesizes the enzyme in the human intestine. Direct bilirubin belongs to the class of water-soluble, while indirect bilirubin is classified as insoluble or lipid