About Total Bilirubin
Bilirubin is a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in vertebrates. It is excreted in bile and urine, and elevated levels may indicate certain diseases. Total Bilirubin represents the sum of direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin in the blood, providing insights into liver function and hemolysis.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
0.1 - 1.2 mg/dL
Women's Optimal Range
0.1 - 1.2 mg/dL
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction, gallbladder disorder, or an increased rate of red blood cell breakdown.
Low
Low levels may be associated with chronic liver disease or rare enzyme deficiencies impacting bilirubin production.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and abdominal pain.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, nausea, and light-colored stools.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. (2018). "Liver Biopsy in Adult and Pediatric Patients: A Position Paper from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases." Hepatology, 68(1), 1-14. 2. European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2019). "EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Drug-induced liver injury." Journal of Hepatology, 70(6), 1222-1261. 3. American College of Gastroenterology. (2021). "ACG Clinical Guideline: Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Chemistries." The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 116(4), 706-732. 4. World Health Organization. (2020). "Guidelines for the Prevention, Care and Treatment of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection." 5. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). "Clinical Practice Guideline: Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation." Pediatrics, 140(3), e20171471.