What should be bilirubin?

During the breakdown of hemoglobin, bilirubin is formed. It is a tan substance, is a product of the decay of erythrocytes or hemoglobin. The processes of disintegration occur in the spleen.

Direct and indirect bilirubin

Indirect bilirubin is dangerous forcentral nervous system. Getting into the liver, it combines with glucuronic acid, then decomposes and passes into direct or bound bilirubin. In this state, it becomes harmless to the cells of the body, can dissolve in water and leave with the help of the urinary system.

If the liver does not cope with processingindirect bilirubin in a straight line, it accumulates in excess and gives the mucous membranes of the eyes and skin a yellowish color, which is a sign of jaundice. It is desirable to know what bilirubin should be in order to be able to determine the state of your health.

Norms of bilirubin

The level of bilirubin can be determined usinganalyzes. They always have three numbers: the amount of direct bilirubin, the indirect and the total number. The total value consists of direct and indirect. In this case, the amount of direct bilirubin should be 25% of the total, and the indirect - 75%.

Constantly changing bilirubin in newborns. The norm is up to 205 μmol / l, which is set before the end of the first week. Then the figure goes down. By the end of the third week of the child's life, the indicator is normal - 8.5-20.5 μmol / l.

The total minimum value for all is 5.2 to 19 μmol / l, regardless of sex and age.

The average rate may vary depending on the features of the laboratory equipment in which the tests are done.