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Please see the web pages for more details on Lab tests for Bilirubin. Consult your doctor.

Bilirubin Test Results High

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My liver function test showed high bilirubin. Any help ?

Total bilirubin test is 43.5 where the normal range is (0 - 17).

Direct bilirubin is 6.8 where normal range is (0 - 4.3)

Here is some information I found online:

Elevated bilirubin, while not the most common abnormality in blood tests pertaining to the liver, is quite obvious on a physical exam, and it is the liver-related abnormality most familiar to the general public.

When elevated levels of bilirubin and GGT and AP occur concurrently, a person is referred to as being cholestatic. However, if the bilirubin level remains normal and the GGT and AP remain elevated, the person is known as having anicteric cholestasis. Diseases marked by elevations of bilirubin, GGT, and AP are known as cholestatic liver diseases.

What does your doctor say who ordered this test?

Bilirubin results from the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in your stool. Elevated levels of bilirubin (jaundice) may indicate liver damage or disease. Are you taking any medications that may cause abnormal levels such as those for lowering cholesterol, TB treatment? These are just a couple but I am sure there are more. Did the doctor do any further testing like for mono or hepatitis? Are you a heavy drinker? I would definitely be consulting with the physician who ordered this and if he isn't following up accordingly I would get another doctor.

Common causes of elevated liver enzymes include:

*Side effect of medication, such as certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cholesterol medications, antibiotics or anti-seizure medications

* Drinking alcohol

* Obesity

* Diabetes

* Elevated triglycerides

* Infection, such as viral hepatitis and mononucleosis

* Autoimmune disorders of the liver and bile ducts, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis or primary biliary cirrhosis

* Metabolic liver disease, such as hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease

* Excessive use of certain herbal supplements, such as kava, comfrey, pennyroyal or skullcap

* Gallstones

* Tumors of the liver, pancreas or bile ducts

Did you drink before you took the test? That could be the cause of an abnormally high result. If you didn't, then your liver is inflammed and it might be a sign of something seriously wrong.