Dr. Ghulam Fareed
Medical Gastroenterology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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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.
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 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.
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 yellowish brown color of stools is due to bilirubin and its metabolites.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Yes. The first one was a little darker, and the others were normal.
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.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your advise.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I wish you good health.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
The first urine specimen was more towards a positive result for bilirubin, but the following four results were negative.
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.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
So, is there nothing to worry about?
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?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
It was a routine blood work.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I wish you good health.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the advise.
Hello,
No problem.
Take care.
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Medical Gastroenterology
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