Understanding Total Bilirubin (TBIL) Blood Test Results

Total bilirubin (TBIL) is the total amount of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that forms when red blood cells are broken down.

There are two types of bilirubin:

* Unconjugated bilirubin is the form of bilirubin that has yet to be processed by the liver.

* Conjugated bilirubin is the form of bilirubin that has been processed by the liver.

TBIL levels can be elevated in a variety of conditions, including:

* Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and biliary atresia

* Hemolytic anemia, a condition characterized by the rapid breakdown of red blood cells

* Gilbert's syndrome, a genetic condition that causes mildly elevated TBIL levels

* Pregnancy

* Certain medications, such as birth control pills and antibiotics

High TBIL levels can lead to a condition called jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Jaundice is usually a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.

TBIL levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The normal range for TBIL is 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL.