Bilirubin (T&D)

Intended Use

Biostep Diagnostic’s bilirubin reagent is intended for the in-vitro quantitative, diagnostic determination of bilirubin in human serum on both automated and manual systems.

Background

The average level of the bilirubin produced in humans from different sources ranges between 250 to 300 mg/day, of which 85% is derived from the heme moiety of the haemoglobin released from senescent erythrocytes that are destroyed in the reticuloendothelial system. The remaining 15 % is produced from erythrocytes destroyed in the bone marrow and from catabolism of other heme containing proteins such as cytochromes and myoglobin.After it is produced in the peripheral tissues, bilirubin is transported to the liver in association with albumin. In the liver, bilirubin is conjugated with glucuronic acid for solubilization and subsequent transport through the bile duct and elimination via the digestive tract. Disease or conditions which, through hemolytic processes produce bilirubin faster than the liver can metabolize it, cause the levels of unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin to increase in the circulation.Bile duct obstruction or damage to hepatocellular structure cause increases in the levels of both conjugated (direct) and unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin in the circulation.