Biliverdin
Definition
A green breakdown product of haemoglobin, appearing as the blue-green phase of bruise colour change. Biliverdin is then converted to bilirubin.
- Origin
- Breakdown product of haemoglobin
- Colour
- Green
- Bruise phase
- Blue-green phase
- Converts to
- Bilirubin
Common questions
Where does biliverdin fall in the sequence of bruise colour change?+
It typically appears after the initial red and purple stages caused by fresh haemoglobin, and before the yellow-orange bilirubin stage that follows as breakdown continues.
Why can't biliverdin's presence alone pinpoint a bruise's exact age?+
The rate at which haemoglobin breaks down to biliverdin and then bilirubin varies by individual, bruise size and depth, and location on the body, so colour staging gives an approximate order rather than a precise timeline.
Related terms
- Bilirubin
- A yellow-orange breakdown product of biliverdin, seen as the yellow-brown phase of a resolving bruise. Its appearance indicates advancing haemoglobin degradation.
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