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Total Bilirubin: What Your Results Mean

Bottom line: Total bilirubin measures waste from red blood cell breakdown. Normal is 0.1-1.2 mg/dL. High levels can cause jaundice and may indicate liver problems.

What Is Total Bilirubin?

Total bilirubin is a blood test that measures the total amount of bilirubin in your body. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. Most bilirubin is then processed by the liver and excreted from the body, primarily in bile.

This test is important because elevated levels of bilirubin can indicate problems with the liver, bile ducts, or the breakdown of red blood cells. When bilirubin levels rise, it can lead to jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Monitoring total bilirubin helps healthcare providers assess liver function and diagnose conditions that might be causing this buildup.

Total Bilirubin Reference Ranges

ClassificationRange (mg/dL)
Very Low< 0.1
Low0.1 - 0.3
Normal0.3 - 1.0
Slightly High1.1 - 2.0
High2.1 - 5.0
Very High> 5.0

What Affects Your Total Bilirubin Levels?

When to Get Tested

A total bilirubin test is commonly ordered as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or liver function test. It is frequently ordered when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of liver problems or jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, or pale stools. It may also be ordered to monitor the progress of liver disease or the effectiveness of treatment.

Look Up Your Total Bilirubin Result

Select your value below to see a detailed breakdown of what it means:

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Read the Full Blood Test Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes high total bilirubin?

High total bilirubin levels can be caused by several factors, including problems with the liver's ability to process bilirubin, increased breakdown of red blood cells, or blockages in the bile ducts that prevent bilirubin from being excreted.

Can certain foods affect my total bilirubin levels?

While not a direct cause, severe dehydration or conditions like fasting can sometimes temporarily influence bilirubin levels. However, specific foods generally do not directly raise or lower total bilirubin in a clinically significant way.

What is jaundice and how does it relate to total bilirubin?

Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It occurs when bilirubin builds up in the blood to high levels, often exceeding 2.0-3.0 mg/dL. The total bilirubin test measures the amount of this substance contributing to the yellow discoloration.

Is a high total bilirubin level always a serious problem?

Not always. While high bilirubin can indicate serious liver or blood disorders, some individuals have benign conditions like Gilbert's syndrome, which cause mildly elevated bilirubin without any health consequences. Your doctor will interpret your results in context.

Ernestas K.
Ernestas K.
Clinical Research Writer
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