- Bilirubin conversion from standard to international units

[Guest guest]

> My bilirubin hovers around 40-60. When I entered the ER last I was 144.

> Maybe that's T.billi. Is there a difference?

,

In the US, bilirubin is measured in " standard units " mg/dl; in Canada and

elsewhere, in " International units " umol/l.

The conversion formula is:

(Standard Units) X 17.1 = International Units

Given your numbers above, a BR of 40 umol/l = 2.34 mg/dl; 60 umol/l =

3.51; and 144 umol/l = 8.42.

As usual, the devil is in the details!

Total bilirubin is usually what is reported on lab reports. It is the sum

of direct and indirect bilirubin. Incidentally, there are non-hepatic and

non-cholestatic reasons for BR to be elevated -- an elevated BR need not

indicate the onset of bacterial cholangitis. A good reference on this is:

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/diseasemanagement/gastro/livertests.htm

Best Wishes,

Shauna (29, AIH'86, Crohns'95, PSC'99, listed @ Duke, MELD =18)

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