What is the total bilirubin test?
This is a blood test that measures the total amount of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is released into the blood when red blood cells break down. The liver uses bilirubin to make bile. Normally there is only a small amount of bilirubin in the blood. High levels may be caused by liver or blood problems. When the bilirubin level rises, it causes the skin and whites of the eyes to become yellow. This change to yellow is called jaundice.
