Liver Function Tests (LFT)

Serum Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of heme catabolism, produced within the

reticuloendothelial system. It is released initially in unconjugated form which enters the
liver, there it is converted into conjugated forms. These conjugated forms are bilirubin
mono and diglucuronides, the conversion facilitated by the enzyme UDP-
glucuronyltransferase. Bilirubin is measured in blood serum and is usually collected from a
vein in adults or from a heelprick in infants. The unconjugated (indirect), conjugated (direct)
and total bilirubin (combined) is measured. Normal levels are 0.2-1.2mg/dL for total
bilirubin, 0.2-0.7mg/dL for indirect bilirubin and 0.1-0.4mg/dL for direct bilirubin.