HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Lowering Hematocrit Affect Bilirubin Level?

default
Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014
Question: I have been giving blood in efforts to get my hematocrit down. I started at 54% and I am now at 40% I'm just curious, if by lowering your hematocrit, does that affect your bilirubin level. My bilirubin has always been around 0.9 for years. I'm wondering if it would be lower if I had a LFT done today, with the lowered hematocrit level.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer: not affected Detailed Answer: bilirrubin levels are not affected by donating blood. a total bilirubin level of 0.9 is normal, and should not concern you. on the other hand, bilirrubin can go up if your blood cells break down (which is called hemolysis), as there is some bilirrubin inside the red cells that is then released into the blood stream as cells break down, making the blood test abnormal. again, donating blood will not affect your blood test for liver enzymes including bilirrubin. Having hemochromatosis may cause iron deposition in the liver, and therefore elevation in the liver tests. improvement in these liver tests is usually gradual, as your body gets rid of excess iron stores by phlebotomies or blood donations. hopefully that answers your question, let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Enrique Molina

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 364 Questions

Ask a specialist now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Hematologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Can Lowering Hematocrit Affect Bilirubin Level?

Brief Answer: not affected Detailed Answer: bilirrubin levels are not affected by donating blood. a total bilirubin level of 0.9 is normal, and should not concern you. on the other hand, bilirrubin can go up if your blood cells break down (which is called hemolysis), as there is some bilirrubin inside the red cells that is then released into the blood stream as cells break down, making the blood test abnormal. again, donating blood will not affect your blood test for liver enzymes including bilirrubin. Having hemochromatosis may cause iron deposition in the liver, and therefore elevation in the liver tests. improvement in these liver tests is usually gradual, as your body gets rid of excess iron stores by phlebotomies or blood donations. hopefully that answers your question, let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.