What can cause Higher bilirubin level in blood

[stillworried001]

Hey!

5 months back in August last year my doctor requested a LFT (Liver function test) for me, the results showed an elevation of bilirubins in my blood which were 36 umol/L and Normal is 0 - 20 umol/L. Last week 5 months after the first test my doctor repeated the LFT which showed even higher bilirubin level and this time it was 53 umol/L.

I also had a HIV (Antigen and Antibody) test 5 months post exposure which came NEGATIVE and 2 months back I was tested for Hepatitis A, B & C which were all negative too.

I got 2 Questions regarding my situation.

1. What can cause bilirubin level in my blood to elevate?

2. Can higher bilirubin levels in my blood gives a false HIV Negative result at 5 months post exposure?

your answers will be much appreciated

Thanks

[IAmTheWalrus]

Obviously elevated bilirubin can indicate liver problems. Normal or reference range is a little tricky and will vary form person to person. There is a wide range of drugs (ADs, cholesterol reducing drugs, Tylenol, etc.) that can casue a mild or moderate elevation in serum bilirubin since so many of them are metabolized in the liver. Alcohol impairs the liver, but I do not know specifically that it would increase bilirubin level on short term basis.

What about the other tests on the LFT panel (AST, ALT)?  If they are also elevated, that would be further evidence of disease, and cause for alarm. If you are still concerned about this, maybe check any pharmaceuticals or supplements you are taking for an effect on the liver that would explain the increase. Continued increase in this test would almost certainly warrant additional investigation.

I cannot imagine how bilirubin levels would affect an HIV test.

What does your doc say?