Liver function (LFTs)
Bilirubin blood test: what a high result means
What a bilirubin result means, why bilirubin can be high, and what to ask your doctor.
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Explain my results → Available on web, iOS & Android.What is bilirubin?
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment made when old red blood cells are broken down. Your liver processes it and passes it into bile, which leaves the body in your stools. Bilirubin is part of the liver function tests (LFTs). When too much builds up, it can turn the skin and whites of the eyes yellow, which is called jaundice.
Why is this test done?
- As part of routine liver function tests
- To investigate jaundice
- To check for problems with the liver, bile ducts or red blood cells
- To monitor newborn babies with jaundice
What does a high bilirubin mean?
A raised bilirubin can come from making more bilirubin than usual, from the liver processing it less well, or from a blockage to the flow of bile.
Possible reasons include:
- Gilbert's syndrome, a common, harmless inherited condition where the liver processes bilirubin a little slowly
- Fasting or illness, which can raise bilirubin in people with Gilbert's syndrome
- Liver conditions, such as hepatitis
- A blockage of the bile ducts, for example from gallstones
- Faster breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis)
- Some medicines
What does a low bilirubin mean?
A low bilirubin is not considered a problem.
When to get help quickly. Contact your GP the same day, or get urgent advice, if you notice new yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, especially with dark urine, pale stools, itching, tummy pain, fever or weight loss.
Why we don't list a "normal range". Reference ranges differ between laboratories and can depend on your age, sex and whether you are pregnant. The range printed next to your result on your own report is the one that applies to you, so use that, and talk to your doctor about what your result means for you.
What can affect your bilirubin result?
- Fasting or recent illness
- Gilbert's syndrome
- Some medicines
- Strenuous exercise
Make sense of the whole report, not just one line
Results are easier to understand together. Patiently AI explains your report as a whole and writes personalised questions for your next appointment.
Try it with your own results → Paste, upload or photograph your results.Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my raised bilirubin likely to be Gilbert's syndrome?
- Are my other liver tests normal?
- Do I need further tests, such as a scan or blood count?
- Should it be checked again?
Frequently asked questions
What is Gilbert's syndrome?
Gilbert's syndrome is a common inherited condition in which the liver processes bilirubin a little more slowly than usual. It is harmless, but bilirubin can rise when you are fasting, ill or stressed, sometimes causing mild yellowing of the eyes.
What are direct and indirect bilirubin?
Indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin has not yet been processed by the liver. Direct (conjugated) bilirubin has. Knowing which type is raised helps doctors work out whether the cause lies before, within or after the liver.
Does high bilirubin always mean liver disease?
No. Gilbert's syndrome and faster breakdown of red blood cells can both raise bilirubin with a healthy liver.
Can Patiently AI explain my bilirubin result?
Yes. Paste your results, or upload a photo, PDF or Word file, and Patiently AI explains them in plain English, sticking to the numbers and ranges on your own report rather than adding its own, and suggests questions to ask your doctor. It is free, needs no account, and removes identifying details on your device first.