Bilirubin (Total)

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Bilirubin is a byproduct of broken-down old red blood cells. It is the yellow pigment in bile.

Why it matters: The level shows whether the body is breaking down and clearing old red blood cells properly, and helps check the health of the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
5.0 – 21.0umol/L
5
21LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Rapid red blood cell breakdown such as hemolytic anemia
Chronic liver disease
Blocked bile ducts

May decrease with:

Certain medicines including antibiotics, birth control pills, sleeping pills and seizure medicines
Associated Conditions
Viral hepatitisMononucleosisGilbert's syndromeWilson diseaseCrigler-Najjar syndromeToxic hepatitis, alcohol-induced or drug-inducedCirrhosisChronic liver failure
Related Markers
Bilirubin (Direct)ALTAST
Common questions

What is Bilirubin (Total)?

Bilirubin is a byproduct of broken-down old red blood cells. It is the yellow pigment in bile.

What might a high or low Bilirubin (Total) mean?

The level shows whether the body is breaking down and clearing old red blood cells properly, and helps check the health of the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder.

What is the typical reference range for Bilirubin (Total)?

The general-population reference range shown here is 5 – 21 umol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Bilirubin (Total)?

It may be higher with: Rapid red blood cell breakdown such as hemolytic anemia, Chronic liver disease, Blocked bile ducts. It may be lower with: Certain medicines including antibiotics, birth control pills, sleeping pills and seizure medicines.

More in Liver
AlbuminAlkaline PhosphataseALTASTBilirubin (Direct)Bilirubin (Indirect)GGTLDH

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