Bilirubin is the main bile pigment formed from the degradation of heme in red blood cells. Bilirubin blood test is a special test necessary to assess the health status of humans.

Bilirubin is a degradation product of Heme - a component of Hemoglobin in red blood cells. The degradation process occurs in the reticuloendothelial cells such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Bilirubin is a yellow-orange pigment, produced by the process of excretion when red blood cells are broken down physiologically in the blood, then passes through the liver and finally out of the body. Therefore, quantitative Bilirubin testing will help support the determination of some abnormalities in the liver-bile and hemolysis.

Most children with biliary atresia require liver transplantation. Biliary atresia is the most common indication for liver transplantation in infants and children. Currently, at least 60 to 80 percent of patients with biliary atresia will require liver transplantation, even with optimal management.