1. What is Bilirubin?

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. It is processed by the liver and excreted in bile. Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction or hemolytic disorders.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion uses the formula:

Where:

• 58.48 — Molecular weight of bilirubin (g/mol)
• 10 — Conversion factor between different concentration units

Explanation: This formula converts bilirubin concentration from millimoles per liter (mmol/L) to milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) using the molecular weight of bilirubin.

3. Importance of Bilirubin Measurement

Details: Bilirubin levels are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring liver diseases, biliary obstruction, and hemolytic conditions. Both mmol/L and mg/dL are commonly used units in medical practice.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter bilirubin value in mmol/L. The calculator will automatically convert it to mg/dL. Values must be non-negative.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are there two different units for bilirubin measurement?
A: Different countries and laboratories use different measurement systems. mmol/L is common in countries using SI units, while mg/dL is used in conventional units.

Q2: What are normal bilirubin levels?
A: Normal total bilirubin is typically 0.1-1.0 mg/dL or 1.7-17.1 μmol/L. Values above this range may indicate jaundice or liver problems.

Q3: When should bilirubin be measured?
A: Bilirubin testing is indicated when jaundice is present, for liver function assessment, or when monitoring certain medical conditions.

Q4: Are there different types of bilirubin?
A: Yes, bilirubin is typically measured as total bilirubin, with direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) fractions providing additional diagnostic information.

Q5: Why is the molecular weight 58.48 used?
A: 58.48 g/mol is the approximate molecular weight of bilirubin, which is necessary for converting between molar concentration (mmol/L) and mass concentration (mg/dL).