Any doctors out there? Bilirubin levels 23.

[fernley]

I had routine blood tests recently and requested to have a print out of them. It said "No action required" however I noticed that it also said next to Serum bilirubin that it was above range and exceeded high limit.

I am generally very fit and eat healthily although I do enjoy a few glasses of wine at the weekend and always have done. I usually have 3/4 days without though per week.

Should I be concerned? Should I make an appointment to see my GP even though he has seen these results?

It is very common to have a slightly raised bilirubin and this in isolation is usually nothing to worry about. It can sometimes be a sign of Gilbert's syndrome (an inherited liver disorder that doesn't tend to cause much bother). Worth bringing up with your GP when but no need for urgent appointment if you're otherwise well.

It isn't common to have a raised bilirubin, but in isolation - so normal liver function and no evidence of red cell breakdown- it isn't a problem.
Most doctors wouldn't be able to detect jaundice until bilirubin above around 30 just by examining you.
Gilbert's syndrome is the commonest cause, it is benign, bilirubin goes up during times of stress,dehydration, infection, fasting etc and may retrun into normal range in between times.
However if you are taking regular medications or have any other health problems a full liver function panel and haemolysis screen would be performed before assuming that this is nothing.

Ok so not very common but not uncommon either

Thanks. I did not intend to drip feed but it has gone from 16 to 23 in the last 3 years.

Fernley - that in itself isn't worrying. Bilirubin levels can go up and down on a daily basis. Book an appointment with your GP to put your mind at rest. They may wish to do some further tests for completion but highly unlikely to have a serious underlying cause.

Thanks Annie and Wobbly. I saw my GP today who actually complimented me on how healthy I must be given the results. She also said that the raised levels are not significant given that the rest of the liver function blood results were totally fine. Very relieved but def think I could drink less alcohol which I will endeavour to do.

I would consider 23 to be normal tbh

Hi I know this thread is old but I’ve just had my results back today and mine are 30
Is that worrying my doctor doesn’t seemed worried but I am as there out of the normal range

Mine are always high, gastro consultant not worried at all and said it was Gilberts Syndrome. He only twitched when the other liver results went off the scale, needing an adjustment of my meds.

@DotBall yeah my other results for my liver have came back Normal but the bilirubin has come back at 30 doctor doesn’t seem bothered but looked up that’s high he never mentioned anything about Gilbert’s and either