Bilirubin Test

Bilirubin Test: quick answers

Bilirubin Test price

₹289, home sample collection

Normal range (adults)

Total bilirubin: About 0.3–1.2 mg/dL; Direct (conjugated): Up to about 0.3 mg/dL more

Done for

Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice); Dark urine or pale stools; Suspected hepatitis, gallstones or liver disease

Fasting

Not required

Report

Same day / 24 hours

What is the Bilirubin Test?

The bilirubin test measures bilirubin, a yellow pigment made when old red blood cells are broken down and cleared by the liver into bile. It reports total, direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin, and is the main blood test for jaundice.

Bilirubin Test normal range

These are adult values. Newborn bilirubin is interpreted on separate charts by age in hours.

Ranges differ between laboratories and methods. The reference range printed on your own report is the one to read your result against.

What your Bilirubin Test result means

High indirect bilirubin

Suggests red cells are breaking down faster than normal (haemolysis) or Gilbert syndrome, a common harmless condition where bilirubin rises with fasting or illness.

High direct bilirubin

Suggests liver disease, such as hepatitis, or blocked bile ducts from stones or narrowing.

Visible jaundice

Yellowing of the eyes usually becomes visible when total bilirubin is above about 2 to 3 mg/dL.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

Bilirubin Test levels: what does my number mean?

Total bilirubin 1.2 to 3 mg/dL

Mildly high in an adult. When it is mostly indirect bilirubin with normal liver enzymes, the common cause is Gilbert's syndrome, which is harmless. A raised direct bilirubin points to the liver or bile ducts. Often checked next: LFT Test.

Total bilirubin above 3 mg/dL

Usually visible as yellow eyes or skin (jaundice). It needs a doctor's review with a full liver function test. Often checked next: LFT Test.

Typical adult cut-offs. Read your number against the range printed on your own report, and with a doctor if it is outside it.

Why is the Bilirubin Test done?

• Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Suspected hepatitis, gallstones or liver disease
• Suspected red cell breakdown (haemolysis)

What does the Bilirubin Test measure?

3 parameters. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

Bilirubin Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Blood. Fasting: Not required.

• No fasting is required. Avoid vigorous exercise before the test, as it can transiently raise bilirubin.

Want a more complete checkup?

Related tests

Explore related tests and guides

Bilirubin Test in your city

Frequently asked questions