DIRECT BILIRUBIN Meaning and
Definition
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Direct bilirubin, also known as conjugated bilirubin, is a biochemical compound derived from the breakdown of heme molecules in red blood cells. It is a water-soluble derivative of bilirubin that undergoes a specific metabolic process in the liver, resulting in its conjugation with glucuronic acid. The combination of bilirubin with glucuronic acid renders direct bilirubin more soluble in water, allowing for its efficient excretion from the body through bile and urine.
Direct bilirubin serves as an important biomarker in assessing liver function and diagnosing various liver disorders. Elevated levels of direct bilirubin in the bloodstream often indicate impairment in the hepatobiliary system, such as liver damage, biliary obstruction, or hepatocellular dysfunction. Consequently, this may lead to the characteristic clinical manifestation of jaundice, wherein excess bilirubin accumulation results in yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes.
Laboratory tests, such as blood serum analysis, measure the levels of direct bilirubin to provide valuable insights into liver health. Normal ranges vary depending on the specific laboratory guidelines used. Interpretation of direct bilirubin levels, along with other liver function tests, can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of various liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cholestasis.
Overall, direct bilirubin is a conjugated form of bilirubin that plays a crucial role as a diagnostic marker for liver-related conditions, helping healthcare professionals evaluate liver function and identify potential liver disorders.
Common Misspellings for DIRECT BILIRUBIN
- sirect bilirubin
- xirect bilirubin
- cirect bilirubin
- firect bilirubin
- rirect bilirubin
- eirect bilirubin
- durect bilirubin
- djrect bilirubin
- dkrect bilirubin
- dorect bilirubin
- d9rect bilirubin
- d8rect bilirubin
- dieect bilirubin
- didect bilirubin
- difect bilirubin
- ditect bilirubin
- di5ect bilirubin
- di4ect bilirubin
- dirwct bilirubin
- dirsct bilirubin
Etymology of DIRECT BILIRUBIN
The word "direct bilirubin" consists of two components:
1. Direct: The term "direct" in medicine refers to a form of bilirubin that is conjugated with glucuronic acid. It comes from the Latin word "directus", which means "straight" or "straightforward". In the context of bilirubin, "direct" indicates that this form of bilirubin is able to be excreted by the liver into the bile ducts and ultimately eliminated from the body.
2. Bilirubin: The term "bilirubin" is derived from the Latin words "bilis" meaning "bile" and "rubinus" meaning "red". Bile is a yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver and bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells.
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