Total bilirubin levels should generally fall within what range?

Total bilirubin levels are an important marker in evaluating liver function and diagnosing various conditions related to the liver and biliary system. The typical reference range for total bilirubin in healthy adults is approximately 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL, with most sources stating that the normal levels fall within the range of 0.3 to 1 mg/dL.

These values represent the total bilirubin produced in the body from the breakdown of red blood cells, which includes both direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin. Elevated levels can indicate various health issues, such as liver disease, hemolysis, or obstruction of the biliary tract, which makes understanding the normal range crucial for diagnosis and monitoring.

In contrast, the other options provide ranges that do not accurately reflect the normal physiological levels of total bilirubin, making the correct choice essential for identifying healthy or pathological states related to bilirubin metabolism. Understanding this standard range is fundamental in clinical practice for assessing liver function and other related disorders.