Liver Function Markers & Misc.

Question 1

What is Total Bilirubin

Answer 1

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced during the
breakdown of red blood cells. Total bilirubin includes both direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin. It serves as a marker of liver function and the body’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin

Question 2

What is low value Total Bilirubin

Answer 2

Low total bilirubin levels are generally less concerning but may indicate a reduced breakdown of red blood cells or liver dysfunction, which can occur in conditions
such as anemia or a liver disease that impairs bilirubin processing

Question 3

What is high value Total Bilirubin

Answer 3

High total bilirubin levels can indicate liver dysfunction, hemolytic anemia, or bile duct obstruction, as elevated bilirubin results from an excess of red blood cell
breakdown products or impaired liver processing, leading to jaundice and potential damage to liver or bile ducts

Question 4

What is Direct Bilirubin

Answer 4

Direct Bilirubin, also known as conjugated bilirubin, is the
form that has been processed by the liver and is ready for excretion. It plays a crucial role in the elimination of waste products from the body. Elevated levels of direct bilirubin may suggest impaired liver function or bile duct obstruction, leading to reduced excretion of
bilirubin into the bile

Question 5

What is low value Direct Bilirubin

Answer 5

Low direct (conjugated) bilirubin levels are typically not concerning and often indicate that the liver is effectively processing and conjugating bilirubin, but could
also suggest an underlying condition such as Gilbert’s syndrome or a decreased rate of red blood cell breakdown

Question 6

What is high value Direct Bilirubin

Answer 6

High direct (conjugated) bilirubin levels often indicate increased breakdown of red blood cells or impaired liver function, which can be associated with
conditions such as hemolytic anemia, Gilbert’s syndrome, or liver disease, leading to symptoms like jaundice and dark urine

Question 7

What is Indirect Bilirubin

Answer 7

Indirect Bilirubin, also known as unconjugated bilirubin, is the form that has not undergone liver processing. It is produced from the breakdown of
hemoglobin in red blood cells and is transported to the liver, where it is conjugated to become direct bilirubin

Question 8

What is low value Indirect Bilirubin

Answer 8

Low levels of indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin generally indicate a reduced rate of red blood cell breakdown or efficient bilirubin metabolism, which is often not a
concern but may reflect conditions such as liver disease or certain genetic disorders affecting bilirubin processing

Question 9

What is high value Indirect Bilirubin

Answer 9

High indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin levels typically indicate increased red blood cell breakdown or impaired liver function, which can be caused by conditions such
as hemolytic anemia, Gilbert’s syndrome, or liver disease, potentially leading to jaundice and other symptoms of liver dysfunction

Question 10

What is Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)