BILIRUBIN, TOTAL, DIRECT & INDIRECT

Description

The Bilirubin Total, Direct & Indirect panel provides a comprehensive assessment of bilirubin metabolism by measuring all three bilirubin fractions in your pet’s blood. This test helps differentiate between pre-hepatic (hemolytic), hepatic (liver cell damage), and post-hepatic (bile duct obstruction) causes of jaundice in dogs and cats.

Total bilirubin is the sum of direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is the fat-soluble, unconjugated form produced from hemoglobin breakdown. It is taken up by the liver and converted into direct (water-soluble, conjugated) bilirubin, which is then excreted into bile. Elevated indirect bilirubin suggests pre-hepatic causes such as hemolytic anemia. Elevated direct bilirubin indicates post-hepatic obstruction (bile duct obstruction, gallbladder disease) or severe hepatocellular damage impairing excretion.

Jaundice becomes visible when total bilirubin exceeds approximately 2 mg/dL. In dogs, mild bilirubinuria is normal, but in cats, any bilirubinuria is abnormal and warrants investigation. The Van den Bergh method is the most widely used test for bilirubin fractionation. This comprehensive panel is more informative than total bilirubin alone, allowing your veterinarian to identify the precise cause of liver or blood disease.

At Home Petcare offers at-home Bilirubin Total, Direct & Indirect testing in Hyderabad for dogs and cats. Results are processed at certified veterinary diagnostic laboratories.