HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Bilirubin
Results
A bilirubin test measures the amount of Reference bilirubin Opens New Window in a blood sample. The results are usually available in 1 to 2 hours.
Normal values in adults
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
| Bilirubin type | Bilirubin level |
|---|---|
|
Total bilirubin |
0.3–1.0 Reference mg/dL Opens New Window or 5.0–17.0 Reference mmol/L Opens New Window |
|
Direct bilirubin |
0.0–0.2 mg/dL or 0.0–3.4 mmol/L |
High values
- High levels of bilirubin in the blood may be
caused by:
- Some infections, such as an infected gallbladder, or Reference cholecystitis Opens New Window.
- Some inherited diseases, such as Gilbert's syndrome, a condition that affects how the liver processes bilirubin. Although jaundice may occur in some people with Gilbert's syndrome, the condition is not harmful.
- Diseases that cause liver damage, such as Reference hepatitis Opens New Window, Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window, or Reference mononucleosis Opens New Window.
- Diseases that cause blockage of the bile ducts, such as Reference gallstones Opens New Window or cancer of the Reference pancreas Opens New Window.
- Rapid destruction of Reference red blood cells Opens New Window in the blood, such as from Reference sickle cell disease Opens New Window or an Reference allergic reaction Opens New Window to blood received during a transfusion (called a transfusion reaction).
- Medicines that may increase bilirubin levels. This includes many antibiotics, some types of birth control pills, indomethacin (Indocin), phenytoin (Dilantin), diazepam (Valium), and flurazepam (Dalmane).
Low values
Low levels of bilirubin in the blood may be caused by:
- Medicines that may decrease bilirubin levels. This includes vitamin C, phenobarbital, and theophylline.
Normal values in newborns
Normal values in newborns depend on the age of the baby in hours and whether the baby was premature or full term. Normal values may vary from lab to lab.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 11, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Chuck Norlin, MD - Pediatrics |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
