Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
In newborns, bilirubin is checked with a skin meter or heel-stick blood test.
Why it's done
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Liver or gallbladder problems
- Newborn jaundice
Getting ready and what happens
- You may be asked to fast for 4 hours.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
- Newborns: a heel prick or skin meter.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| Total bilirubin (adults) | About 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL |
| Direct (conjugated) | Below about 0.3 mg/dL |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
High indirect bilirubin
Often Gilbert syndrome (harmless) or red cell breakdown.
High direct bilirubin
Points to liver disease or a blocked bile duct.
Newborns
Levels are checked on a chart by age in hours; high levels are treated with light therapy.
When a result needs quick action
Call your provider todayA newborn whose yellow color is spreading to the belly or legs, or who is very sleepy or feeding poorly
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.