Question

If the total bilirubin is 4.3 mg/dL and the conjugated bilirubin 2.1 mg/dL, the unconjugated bilirubin is:

a. 1.1 mg/dL
b. 2.2 mg/dL
c. 4.2 mg/dL
d. 6.3 mg/dL

Answer 1

The unconjugated bilirubin level can be calculated by subtracting the conjugated bilirubin (2.1 mg/dL) from the total bilirubin (4.3 mg/dL), resulting in 2.2 mg/dL.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the total bilirubin is 4.3 mg/dL and the conjugated bilirubin is 2.1 mg/dL, then the unconjugated bilirubin can be calculated by subtracting the conjugated bilirubin from the total bilirubin. This is because total bilirubin is the sum of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin. So, to find the unconjugated bilirubin, we subtract the conjugated bilirubin (2.1 mg/dL) from the total bilirubin (4.3 mg/dL):

Unconjugated bilirubin = Total bilirubin - Conjugated bilirubin

Unconjugated bilirubin = 4.3 mg/dL - 2.1 mg/dL

Unconjugated bilirubin = 2.2 mg/dL

Therefore, the correct answer is b. 2.2 mg/dL.