OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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What is the waste product excreted by the liver when old RBCs are destroyed?

Iron/kidneys, in urine
Bilirubin/liver, in bile
Haemoglobin/liver, in bile
Bilirubin/kidneys, in urine

The correct answer is: Bilirubin/liver, in bile

The waste product excreted by the liver when old red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed is bilirubin, which is then passed into bile. When RBCs break down, a component called heme is released, and this heme is transformed into bilirubin. The liver plays a crucial role in processing this bilirubin, conjugating it, and secreting it into bile, which eventually contributes to the digestion of fats in the intestine. This process is important for maintaining the balance of substances in the body and ensuring that waste products are effectively removed. By excreting bilirubin through bile, the liver helps to eliminate the byproducts of hemoglobin breakdown, preventing the accumulation of potentially toxic substances in the bloodstream.