Bilirubin direct high means: However

However, high bilirubin is usually a symptom of an underlying issue. Addressing that underlying issue is what brings your levels back down. Typical adult bilirubin levels should be below 1.2 mg/dL. Levels above this can vary from person to person and might be slightly higher in men than in women. Medical tests show high direct bilirubin patterns because the liver processes bilirubin but fails to eliminate it properly, resulting from bile duct obstructions or liver inflammation or hepatocellular damage. Learn about bilirubin levels, their role in liver function, and what high or low bilirubin levels indicate. Understand bilirubin test results, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed from red blood cell breakdown and excreted in bile. High bilirubin levels in newborns can cause jaundice and may indicate various problems, while high bilirubin levels in adults can indicate liver or bile duct disorders.