Bilirubin Blood Test, Prep, Results

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Bilirubin

(continued)

Results

A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin 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 levels in adults**
Bilirubin type	Bilirubin level
Total bilirubin	0.3-1.0 mg/dL or 5.0-17.0 mmol/L
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 cholecystitis.
- 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 hepatitis, cirrhosis, or mononucleosis.
- Diseases that cause blockage of the bile ducts, such as gallstones or cancer of the pancreas.
- Rapid destruction of red blood cells in the blood, such as from sickle cell disease or an allergic reaction 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.

**Total bilirubin levels in newborns up to 7 days old**
Age	Premature baby	Full-term baby
Less than 24 hours	Less than 8.0 mg/dL or less than 137 mmol/L	Less than 6.0 mg/dL or less than 103 mmol/L
Less than 48 hours	Less than 12.0 mg/dL or less than 205 mmol/L	Less than 10.0 mg/dL or less than 170 mmol/L
3 to 5 days	Less than 15.0 mg/dL or less than 256 mmol/L	Less than 12.0 mg/dL or less than 205 mmol/L
7 days	Less than 15.0 mg/dL or less than 256 mmol/L	Less than 10.0 mg/dL or less than 170 mmol/L

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 13, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.