What does the Direct Bilirubin - DBIL blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Direct bilirubin (DBIL) is a test that measures the amount of conjugated bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. The liver processes bilirubin, making it water-soluble (conjugated) for excretion. DBIL helps assess liver function and can indicate various liver disorders, bile duct obstructions, or certain types of anemia. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallstones. This test is often performed alongside total bilirubin to provide a more comprehensive picture of bilirubin metabolism and liver health.
A low direct bilirubin level is generally not considered clinically significant. In fact, direct bilirubin levels are often close to zero in healthy individuals. However, if the total bilirubin is elevated while direct bilirubin is low, it may indicate an unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, such as Gilbert’s syndrome or hemolytic anemia. These conditions typically don’t require treatment but may warrant further investigation to rule out more serious underlying causes.
Elevated direct bilirubin levels suggest impaired liver function or bile duct obstruction. This may be due to conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholestasis, or bile duct stones. High levels can cause jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Persistent elevation requires further investigation to determine the underlying cause. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve addressing the primary condition, medications to improve liver function, or surgical intervention for bile duct obstructions. Monitoring DBIL levels helps track treatment effectiveness and disease progression.