Bilirubin

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful (except in newborns) include:

• Caffeine, which can lower bilirubin levels.
• Not eating for a long period (fasting), which normally increases indirect bilirubin levels.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: June 9, 2006
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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