Mediki
Total bilirubin blood test: what your result means
Total bilirubin measures a pigment formed from red blood cell breakdown and processed by the liver.
- Category
- Liver function
- Standard unit
- mmol/L
- Reported in
- mmol/L, µmol/L, mg/dL, mg%, mg/100ml, mg/L and more
What does high total bilirubin mean?
Higher values may suggest increased red cell breakdown or reduced liver/bile processing. What counts as high depends on the reference range printed on your lab report, because ranges differ between laboratories.
What does low total bilirubin mean?
Lower values are generally not concerning. What counts as low depends on the reference range printed on your lab report, because ranges differ between laboratories.
Total bilirubin units and conversion
Mediki shows total bilirubin in mmol/L. Labs may report it in other units; Mediki converts them automatically so results from different labs line up on one chart.
| Unit on your report | Convert to mmol/L | Convert back |
|---|---|---|
| µmol/L | 1 µmol/L = 0.001 mmol/L | 1 mmol/L = 1,000 µmol/L |
| mg/dL, mg%, mg/100ml | 1 mg/dL = 0.0171 mmol/L | 1 mmol/L = 58.47 mg/dL |
| mg/L, µg/mL | 1 mg/L = 0.00171 mmol/L | 1 mmol/L = 584.7 mg/L |
Convert a value from your report with the blood test unit converter.
Why track total bilirubin over time?
A single total bilirubin result is a snapshot. Comparing it with your earlier tests shows whether a value is stable, slowly drifting, or responding to a change in treatment or lifestyle, which is often more useful than one number on its own.
Read our guide on how to read blood test results to understand reference ranges, flags and units.
Following total bilirubin as part of a panel? See the liver function test tracker.
Track your total bilirubin results in one chart
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Medical disclaimer: This page is general information, not medical advice. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, and only a doctor can interpret your results in the context of your health.