Overview Total bilirubin Normal Value Range Pathophysiology Special considerations Elevations in Total bilirubin Nursing Points General Normal values 0.1-1.2 mg/dL Patho Breakdown...
Overview
Total bilirubin
Normal Value Range
Pathophysiology
Special considerations
Elevations in Total bilirubin
Nursing Points General
Normal values
0.1-1.2 mg/dL
Patho
Breakdown product of RBCs
Specifically heme (iron portion of hemoglobin)
Transported to liver
Bound with bile
Excreted via GI tract and kidneys
Conjugated
Water soluble
Unconjugated
Not able to excrete it
Carried to liver via albumin
Conjugated in liver
Special Considerations
Submit in green top tube
Usually submitted with liver function tests
Elevated Total Bilirubin
Newborn jaundice
Treated with phototherapy
Liver tumors
Liver disease
Cirrhosis
Hepatitis
Alcoholism
Cholecystitis
Biliary obstruction
Assessment
Assess patients for jaundice or icterus, or changes in color of stool (clay colored)
Therapeutic Management
Phototherapy for newborns, as they are unable to properly breakdown bilirubin