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Bilirubin (Total) Unit Converter
Total Bilirubin measures the sum of both unconjugated (indirect) and conjugated (direct) bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed primarily from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is transported to the liver, where it is conjugated with glucuronic acid to become water-soluble and then excreted in bile.[Image of bilirubin metabolism pathway]
Elevated total bilirubin results in jaundice (icterus). Causes are generally categorized as pre-hepatic (e.g., hemolysis), hepatic (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis), or post-hepatic (e.g., biliary obstruction). In neonates, monitoring total bilirubin is critical to prevent kernicterus (brain damage from high unconjugated bilirubin). This converter allows precise switching between the standard SI unit (µmol/L) and the conventional mass unit (mg/dL).
SI Units
RecommendedMicromoles per liter (Standard International).
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
Reference Range: In healthy adults, total bilirubin is typically 0.1 – 1.2 mg/dL (2 – 21 µmol/L).
Visible jaundice usually appears when levels exceed 2.5 – 3.0 mg/dL. In newborns, “physiologic jaundice” is common, but levels rising rapidly (> 5 mg/dL per day) or exceeding age-specific thresholds require phototherapy or exchange transfusion. The conversion factor is based on MW 584.67 g/mol: 1 mg/dL ≈ 17.1 µmol/L.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., mg/dL). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like µmol/L) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section. µmol/L is the standard unit used in most of the world outside the US.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
1 mg/dL = 17.104 µmol/L. This is derived from the molecular weight of Bilirubin (584.67 g/mol).
Yes, bilirubin degrades rapidly when exposed to light. Samples should be protected from light to ensure accuracy.