Total bilirubin

How reports print it

What it shows

A yellow pigment formed when haemoglobin breaks down, cleared by the liver with bile.

Units and conversion

Base unit: µmol/L.

• 1 mg/dL = 17.1 µmol/L · 1 µmol/L = 0.05848 mg/dL

Typical ranges

Your laboratory’s range comes first — it is printed on the report next to the result. Below is one laboratory’s adult range with its method: a reference, not a rule.

Range source: Лаборатория Хеликс — Билирубин общий

Why it can be higher

Common reasons discussed with a doctor. This is not a diagnosis.

• A common inherited feature of bilirubin handling (Gilbert’s syndrome): the level rises on an empty stomach
• Increased breakdown of red cells
• Liver conditions
• Bile flow problems

Why it can be lower

• A low bilirubin usually means nothing by itself

What to ask a doctor

• Is direct bilirubin worth checking?
• Can fasting before the test affect it?

Whom to see

A GP or internist.