Bilirubin levels: what's normal, high and low
A yellow pigment made when red blood cells break down. Cleared by the liver.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Bilirubin is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 0.100 – 1.20 mg/dL. At TestWell it's $22.99 all-in as Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mg/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $22.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Bilirubin Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.100 – 1.20 mg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your Bilirubin result may mean
Often reflects liver issues, bile-flow obstruction, or accelerated red cell breakdown.
What a high Bilirubin means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a Bilirubin test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Bilirubin is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Metabolic Panel | This marker only | $22.99 |
| Gout Panel | 3 tests | $62.99 |
| Kidney Health Panel | 4 tests | $64.99 |
| General Wellness Panel | 4 tests | $89.99 |
| Post-COVID Recovery Panel | 7 tests | $99.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Bilirubin: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $22.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $22.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $25.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Frequently asked
Often reflects liver issues, bile-flow obstruction, or accelerated red cell breakdown. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your bilirubin?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $22.99.