Indirect Bilirubin

What it isThe fraction of bilirubin that has not yet been conjugated by the liver. It travels bound to albumin from the spleen to the liver.

DoesAwaits liver processing; in circulation, acts as an antioxidant.

GoodA mid-range level signals normal red cell turnover and adequate liver uptake capacity.

BadElevated indirect bilirubin indicates accelerated red cell breakdown (hemolysis) or Gilbert's syndrome — a benign genetic variation that slightly slows conjugation.