My total bilirubin is 1.3 mg/dL. Should I be concerned?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have recently got tests done for my liver functioning. They are normal; however, my total bilirubin is 1.3 mg/dL. Should I be concerned?

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have reviewed your reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). There is nothing to worry about, even if total bilirubin is 1.3 mg/dL and ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate transferase), and alkaline phosphatase are normal. Bilirubin levels can slightly increase during dehydration, also. Total bilirubin is a combination of direct and indirect bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin levels slightly fluctuate with hydration status. Therefore, you must stay hydrated before going for liver function tests the next time. Also, I suggest you get a total bilirubin breakup (both direct and indirect) before going for the test.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the response.

I also went for a urine dipstick test. One was positive, and the other two were negative.

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Did you do a dipstick test to check bilirubin levels? Bilirubin and its metabolites are excreted normally in urine. Therefore, the yellow color of urine and the yellowish brown color of stools are due to bilirubin and its metabolites.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Yes. The first one was a little darker, and the others were normal.

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It will help if you stay hydrated. Dehydration can be a reason for dark urine. Also, total bilirubin levels will be slightly raised in the blood during dehydration.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your advise.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I wish you good health.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

The first urine specimen was more towards a positive result for bilirubin, but the following four results were negative.

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is only a mild variation in your bilirubin levels. Therefore, unless there is a clinical indication, there is no need to worry.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

So, is there nothing to worry about?

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, there is nothing to worry about. By the way, what was the reason for getting liver function tests done? Were they done routinely or due to any clinical reason?

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

It was a routine blood work.

Kindly advise.