Bilirubin, total

Bilirubin is produced during the breakdown of the red blood pigment hemoglobin and is further processed in the liver. It enters the intestine via the bile and is eventually excreted. The total bilirubin level in the blood indicates how well this breakdown and excretion process is functioning.

Slightly elevated levels can be harmless, such as in the case of Gilbert's syndrome. However, significantly elevated levels can indicate liver or bile duct diseases and often lead to a yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).