What is the difference between direct and indirect bilirubin in an LFT?

Direct bilirubin refers to the water-soluble form of bilirubin that has been processed by the liver and is ready for excretion. Indirect bilirubin is fat-soluble and needs to be processed by the liver. Elevated levels of direct bilirubin often indicate bile duct issues, while high indirect bilirubin may suggest hemolysis or liver processing problems.