What is the use of a bilirubin blood test?
A bilirubin blood test is used to check the health of your liver. The test is also commonly used to help diagnose newborn jaundice.
Last updated on 10 Aug 2023
When the PT is high, it takes longer for the blood to clot (17 seconds, for example). This usually happens because the liver is not making the right amount of blood clotting proteins, so the clotting process takes longer. A high PT usually means that there is serious liver damage or cirrhosis.
A group of blood tests called liver function tests can be used to diagnose liver disease. Other blood tests can be done to look for specific liver problems or genetic conditions. For advanced diagnosis one can opt for imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan and MRI can show liver damage.
The liver is the storage location for fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, the liver plays a role in heme breakdown into unconjugated bilirubin and conjugates it.
A raised GGT and/or other abnormalities in the LFTs would indicate that the liver is not functioning properly. Additionally, if the values are too high it can measure the severity of a disease, particularly scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).
Hepatic Function Test, HFT, LFT
Access past pharmacy bills for easy reorder.