Serum (Paed tube)
umol/L
Reference ranges for neonatal bilirubin (conjugated + unconjugated) :
| Age | Premature (µmol/L) | Full term (µmol/L) |
| Up to 24 h | 17 – 140 | 34 – 100 |
| Up to 48 h | 102 – 204 | 100 – 170 |
| 3 – 5 days | 170 – 240 | 70 – 140 |
Greater than 1 month —> adult :
The method employed for neonatal bilirubin measures conjugated and total bilirubin, and may be used on neonates up to the age of 14 – 21 days.
After this time significant amounts of conjugated-bilirubin are formed, which renders this simple relationship invalid.
The danger level for development of kernicterus is believed to be 320 µmol/L of unconjugated bilirubin. However, any result greater than 250 µmol/L should be regarded as a warning and the baby should be monitored carefully.
Charts depicting the action levels for exchange transfusion under various clinical conditions, compiled by the staff in the Neonatal Unit, are available.
1 day
Local test
Cannot be added on to an existing request – due to artefactual increase in conjugated bilirubin.
Specimen Labelling Procedure
8210
