Is unconjugated bilirubin the same as indirect?
Is unconjugated bilirubin the same as indirect?
Some bilirubin is bound to a certain protein (albumin) in the blood. This type of bilirubin is called unconjugated, or indirect, bilirubin. In the liver, bilirubin is changed into a form that your body can get rid of. This is called conjugated bilirubin or direct bilirubin.
Why is unconjugated bilirubin called indirect bilirubin?
Unconjugated bilirubin does not react well in this system unless alcohol is added to promote its solubility in water. Conjugated bilirubin also is called direct bilirubin because it reacts directly with the reagent, and unconjugated bilirubin is called indirect because it has to be solubilized first.
What is indirect bilirubin?
Indirect bilirubin is the difference between total and direct bilirubin. Common causes of higher indirect bilirubin include: Hemolytic anemia. This means your body is getting rid of too many red blood cells. Bleeding into the skin caused by injury.
What is the difference between total direct and indirect bilirubin?
Bilirubin tests are usually ordered to monitor liver health. Indirect bilirubin is the unconjugated form of bilirubin in the blood. It is carried from the blood to the liver where it is conjugated to its direct form and excreted into the intestines. Indirect and direct bilirubin together make up total bilirubin.
What causes elevated unconjugated bilirubin?
Increased bilirubin production and consequential unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia can result from increased catabolic degradation of hemoglobin and other heme proteins, typically due to accelerated hemolysis, a large hematoma, dyserythropoiesis (e.g., megaloblastic and sideroblastic anemias), or sometimes due to …
How is indirect bilirubin treated?
Quick tips
- Drink at least eight glasses of fluids per day.
- Consider adding milk thistle to your routine.
- Opt for fruits like papaya and mango, which are rich in digestive enzymes.
- Eat at least 2 1/2 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruit per day.
- Look for high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal, berries, and almonds.
What happens if indirect bilirubin is high?
Elevated levels may indicate liver damage or disease. Higher than normal levels of direct bilirubin in your blood may indicate your liver isn’t clearing bilirubin properly. Elevated levels of indirect bilirubin may indicate other problems.
What if bilirubin indirect is high?
Elevated levels of indirect bilirubin may indicate other problems. One common, and harmless, cause of elevated bilirubin is Gilbert’s syndrome, a deficiency in an enzyme that helps break down bilirubin. Your doctor may order further tests to investigate your condition.
What happens when unconjugated bilirubin is high?
Extreme hyperbilirubinemia (TB of 25 to 30 mg/dL) can cause bilirubin encephalopathy, Kernicterus, which is usually characterized by the deposition of unconjugated bilirubin (yellow stain) in brain cells.