Comparative Advantages and Further Modification of the Bilirubin Excretion Test for Hepatic Function

The Clearance of Bilirubin From the Plasma. A Measure of the Excreting Power of the Liver

“…Additional experiences,-by Soffer (4,5,6,7,8) and by others (9,10,11,12) have established the value of the test. Aside from the theoretical desirability of using a physiologic material (bilirubin) rather than a dye (bromsulphalein or rose bengal) to assess hepatic excretory function, it is generally agreed that the bilirubin test is unusually sensitive in demonstrating disturbed function when the degree of liver damage is relatively slight.…”

“…Reported results indicate that in many normal subjects there is no retention of pigment at the end of the 4-hour period. Soffer (7) considers retention in excess of 5 per cent to be evidence of impaired liver function.…”