In which condition would you expect bilirubin levels to be higher than normal?

Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). In cases of hemolytic anemia, there is an increased destruction of RBCs, leading to an elevated release of hemoglobin. When hemoglobin is broken down, it produces bilirubin, particularly unconjugated bilirubin. This increase in bilirubin production surpasses the liver's ability to conjugate and excrete it, resulting in higher than normal bilirubin levels in the blood.

In contrast, conditions like iron deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia do not primarily involve increased hemolysis of RBCs. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a lack of iron, which can lead to reduced RBC production but not increased destruction. Aplastic anemia results in insufficient production of RBCs due to bone marrow failure, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which does not typically involve hemolysis. Thus, elevated bilirubin levels are more characteristic of hemolytic anemia due to increased RBC breakdown.