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Additional information:

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Total bilirubin is the indirect added to the direct bilirubin.

Indirect (Unconjugated) bilirubin is insoluble bilirubin that is in the blood stream that gets delivered to the liver to be changed into direct (Conjugated) bilirubin by the liver.

When bilirubin is not adequately metabolized (or is produced very quickly as in hemolytic diseases); jaundice, or a yellow coloration to the skin and eyes will occur. Other symptoms will be pale colored stool and dark urine.

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The test is useful for:

Additional information:

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Consult your laboratory for their normal ranges as these may vary somewhat from the ones listed below.

Conv. units
(mg/dL)		SI units
(µmol/L)
Total bilirubin
>1 month - Adult0.1–1.22–20
Neonates
<1 day1.5-926-154
1-2 days3-1251-205
3-5 days2-1234-205
Direct bilirubin <0.5<8.6
Indirect bilirubin <1.1<19

Critical Values:

In neonates, urgent therapy is typically recommended (UV lights &/or exchange transfusion) when total bilirubin level =15 mg/dL (SI 257 µmol/L); especially where there is anticipated to be further rise in the bilirubin.

High Result navigator

I. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is seen in the following conditions:

a) Increased bilirubin production:

b) Decreased uptake of bilirubin by the liver:

c) Bilirubin conjugation failure:

II. Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia is seen in the following conditions:

a) Hepatocellular dysfunction

b) Impairment of biliary flow into the intestine

III. Drugs that cause hyperbilirubinemia include:

a) Drugs that cause cholestasis:

b) Drugs that cause hemolysis:

c) Drugs that cause hepatocellular damage (hepatotoxic drugs):

Low Result navigator

A low result is typically of no clinical significance.

Drugs, which decrease the serum bilirubin, includ

References navigator