Unprocessed bilirubin Indirect (Unconjugated) Bilirubin
The share of that pigment your liver has not processed yet.
Also printed asIndirect Bilirubin · I.Bil · Unconjugated Bilirubin
What it measures
The share of bilirubin the liver has not yet processed.
A raised unprocessed fraction with normal liver enzymes is the classic harmless Gilbert pattern, or a sign red cells are breaking down.
Why it matters for how long you stay well
A high unprocessed fraction usually means either the harmless Gilbert pattern or red cells breaking down faster than usual, and only the second of those needs following up.
How it shows up in daily life
It rises after a fasting day or a long illness, and in many people it simply runs high all the time and always has.
High and low readings
When it reads high
Usually the harmless Gilbert pattern, especially after fasting; haemolysis is the other explanation.
When it reads low
Low is fine.
What moves it
Daily life
- fasting or skipping meals
- illness
- hard exercise
Read it with
Markers that move this one, or that this one moves. One number read alone can mislead.
- Haemoglobin, your oxygen carrierKnown mechanism
Haemoglobin pulls it down
When red cells break down faster than usual, two things happen at once. Haemoglobin falls, and the pigment released from those broken cells rises.
- BilirubinKnown mechanism
As this rises, Bilirubin rises with it
When the unprocessed fraction is driving the total, the usual answers are the harmless inherited Gilbert pattern, or red cells breaking down faster than they should.
Common questions
What does Indirect (Unconjugated) Bilirubin measure?
The share of bilirubin the liver has not yet processed. A raised unprocessed fraction with normal liver enzymes is the classic harmless Gilbert pattern, or a sign red cells are breaking down.
What does a high Unprocessed bilirubin result usually mean?
Usually the harmless Gilbert pattern, especially after fasting; haemolysis is the other explanation.
What does a low Unprocessed bilirubin result usually mean?
Low is fine.
What is the usual reference range for Unprocessed bilirubin?
A broad adult reference band is below 0.9 mg/dL. Labs differ, so read your result against the band printed on your own report.
Educational only, not a diagnosis. A single number means little without your history and the rest of your panel, so discuss your own results with your physician.
Typical adult reference band
- Adults
- below 0.9 mg/dL
Labs differ. The band printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.
Reported in mg/dL
Ageing relevance
2/5
Relevant to the ageing of one organ, or to disease screening.
Worth knowing
Newborn jaundice is this same fraction, which is why babies are treated under a blue light.
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