Which lab result would be concerning before performing a procedure involving the liver?

Elevated bilirubin levels are concerning before performing a procedure involving the liver because they can indicate hepatic dysfunction or bile duct obstruction. The liver plays a critical role in the metabolism and excretion of bilirubin, a byproduct of hemoglobin breakdown. When liver function is compromised, the conjugation and excretion processes may be impaired, leading to hyperbilirubinemia. This situation can increase the risk of complications during procedures such as increased bleeding, infection risk, or further hepatic injury. Therefore, elevated bilirubin levels act as a flag indicating potential underlying liver issues that could compromise patient safety during invasive procedures.

The other lab results, while possibly significant in different contexts, do not specifically indicate immediate hepatic dysfunction in the same way as elevated bilirubin levels. Low hemoglobin may suggest anemia but does not directly relate to liver function integrity, while a high white blood cell count could indicate inflammation or infection but does not directly assess the liver's ability to function normally during a procedure. Increased albumin levels, on the other hand, generally suggest adequate liver synthetic function, as albumin is produced by the liver. Hence, elevated bilirubin levels stand out as the most concerning pre-procedure indicator for liver-related interventions.