some inquiry on total bilirubin

[ks]

hi, I have some enquiry on total bilirubin. A friend of mine just went for a blood test. She is 66 years old. Every thing falls within the suggested range, except MCHC, LDL and total bilirubin. MCHC is 300 g/L  (range 310 - 350 g/L). LDL is 3.1 mmol/l (range < 2.6), total bilirubin is 24.1 (maximum is 20.6 umol/L). is there any serious problem? What should she do? thank you. hope to hear from you soon.

[Admin]

MCHC: Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration. A measurement of concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Slightly lower range in this 66-year-old lady might suggest iron deficiency anemia but the hemoglobin count and MCV (Mean Cell Volume) need to be known as well.

LDL: The "bad cholesterol" responsible for cardiovascular events. Although 2.6 and below is ideal but 3.1 in this old lady is acceptable.

Total Bilirubin: Bilirubin is the pigment found in the bile juice. There are 2 types: conjugated (direct) and unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin. I need to know the breakdown of direct and indirect bilirubin levels to make further comments. Nevertheless, the slightly higher level in this lady should not cause too much worry.

Hope this helps! 


Dr Teoh KA

[ks]

hi, Dr. Teoh,

Her MCV and hemoglobin count are within the range. I do not have the report with me right now, so can't give you the figure. But I am sure thry are within the range. So, does it mean she has iron deficiency anemia?
How do I find out the breakdown of direct and indirect bilirubin levels of her? I did not see this part in the report.
Thanks. Have a nice day.

[Admin]

She has no anaemia then.

If the lab did not do the direct and indirect bilirubin, just forget it. May be you can advise her to repeat her liver function test with direct and indirect bilirubin after 6 months.

One more thing, what is the ALP (alkaline phosphatase) level?

[linjo]

Bilirubin gets raised some times ,its quite normal