Bilirubin (total)
LiverNormal range
0.3–1.0 mg/dL
SI: 5.1–17 µmol/L
Critical high: > 12 mg/dL (adult, context)
☎ When to call
Rapidly rising bilirubin, or jaundice with fever + RUQ pain (cholangitis triad) — call now; cholangitis is a sepsis source.
What you do
- Visible jaundice starts around 2.5–3 — check sclera in good light
- Rising bilirubin + confusion: think hepatic decompensation; check ammonia and mentation
Causes of HIGH bilirubin
Causes of LOW bilirubin
Source: Pagana, Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 7th ed.Reference only — verify against your facility's policy.
