Bilirubin: rango normal, alto y bajo

En resumenA common adult range for total bilirubin is 0.1–1.2 mg/dL (1.71–20.5 µmol/L). High values cause jaundice and point to the liver, the bile ducts, or increased red cell breakdown.

Valores de referencia

Grupo	Valor de referencia
Total bilirubin, adultos	0.1–1.2 mg/dL (1.71–20.5 µmol/L)
Direct (conjugated) bilirubin	Less than 0.3 mg/dL (less than 5.1 µmol/L)

Ranges vary slightly between labs, and they differ by sex and by age. In newborns the level is normally higher for the first few days of life; how fast it rises, whether the baby was born early, and the baby's age all matter when a newborn's value is judged.

Compruebe su valor

Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.

A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.

Qué es este marcador

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. Every day a small share of older red blood cells is replaced by new ones, and bilirubin is what remains after those old cells are removed. The liver processes the pigment so that it can leave the body in the stool.

The test reports total bilirubin, and often its two fractions: direct (conjugated) bilirubin, which the liver has already processed, and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin, which it has not. The split between the two fractions helps the provider decide where in the chain — red cells, liver, or bile ducts — the problem sits. Results are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); in micromoles per liter (µmol/L) in many countries.

Jaundice — a yellow color in the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes — is the most common reason to check bilirubin, and a blood level around 2.0 mg/dL (about 34 µmol/L) can produce it. The test is also ordered when the provider suspects liver or gallbladder problems, and it is a routine check in newborns, because most newborns have some jaundice in the first days of life.

For the draw, a blood sample is taken from a vein. Your provider may ask you not to eat or drink beforehand and to pause medicines that affect the test — many medicines can change the bilirubin level, so the provider needs to know everything you take.

Cuando está elevado

Hemolytic anemiaWhen more red blood cells than normal are broken down, bilirubin production outruns the liver's capacity. Transfusion reactions and the newborn blood disorder erythroblastosis fetalis act the same way.

HepatitisA swollen and inflamed liver processes bilirubin poorly, so the pigment backs up into the blood.

Cirrhosis and other liver diseaseScarring of the liver and other liver diseases reduce the organ's ability to clear bilirubin.

Gilbert syndromeIn this inherited trait the liver does not process bilirubin in the usual way, producing mild rises without liver damage.

Blocked bile ductsGallstones, an abnormal narrowing of the common bile duct (biliary stricture), and cancers of the pancreas or gallbladder can dam the flow of bile and raise bilirubin.

Cuando está bajo

Usually not a concernLow bilirubin levels are not usually a cause for concern.

Ciertos medicamentosMedicines such as antibiotics, birth control pills, sleeping pills, and seizure medicines may push bilirubin below the usual range.

Qué puede alterar el resultado

Estos factores pueden alterar el valor sin ninguna enfermedad — vale la pena considerarlos antes de repetir la prueba:

Ciertos medicamentosCertain foodsStrenuous exercise

Cómo prepararse

Your provider may instruct you not to eat or drink before the test and to pause medicines that affect it. Many medicines can change the bilirubin level, so give the provider your full medication list.

Cuándo tiene sentido repetir la prueba

A result outside the lab's reference range usually leads to further testing, with the total value read together with its direct and indirect fractions and the liver enzymes.

Quién suele revisar este resultado

Un resultado fuera del rango de referencia suele ser revisado por:your GP or primary care doctor; a gastroenterologist or hepatologist if liver or bile duct disease is suspected. Traiga su informe de laboratorio y cualquier resultado anterior a la cita.

Nombres usados en los informes de laboratorio

Su informe puede usar cualquiera de estos nombres:
Total bilirubinTBILTSBDirect bilirubinIndirect bilirubinConjugated bilirubinUnconjugated bilirubin

Unidades y conversión

Medido en:mg/dL

mg/dL = μmol/L

mg/dL × 17.1 = µmol/L. Example: 1.0 mg/dL = 17.1 µmol/L. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.

¿Varios marcadores en su informe?

See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.

Obtenga una explicación de sus resultados Ver un ejemplo

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the difference between direct and indirect bilirubin?

Indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin is the form released when old red blood cells are removed; the liver then converts it into direct (conjugated) bilirubin so it can leave the body in bile. Which fraction is raised helps locate the problem: red cell breakdown, the liver itself, or the bile ducts.

Why do newborns get bilirubin tests?

Most newborns have some jaundice, because bilirubin is normally higher in the first days of life. Providers weigh how fast the level is rising, whether the baby was born early, and the baby's age when deciding whether a newborn's value is too high.

Can bilirubin be high without serious disease?

Yes. Gilbert syndrome is an inherited processing variant that produces mild rises without liver damage. Some medicines, certain foods, and strenuous exercise can also push the level up.

Fuentes

Bilirubin Blood Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test— MedlinePlus, Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina. Consultado: 29 de agosto de 2026.
Bilirubin blood test: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia— MedlinePlus, Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina. Consultado: 29 de agosto de 2026.

Bilirrubina