Bilirubin in Urine
Reviewed
Also called: Urine Test, UA, Chemical Urinalysis, Direct Bilirubin
A bilirubin in urine test measures the levels of bilirubin in your urine. Normally, bilirubin isn't found in urine.
Specimen: Urine
Why this test may be ordered
- As part of a routine checkup
- If you have symptoms of a liver condition, gallbladder disease, or a problem with your bile ducts
- If you have a high risk for liver damage or disease, such as a family history of liver disease, alcohol use disorder, obesity, diabetes, taking certain medicines, or hepatitis exposure
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a bilirubin in urine test. If your provider has ordered other urine or blood tests, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Certain medicines and supplements may affect your results, so let your provider know what you are taking. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
You will need to give a urine sample for the test. A health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions for how to use the "clean catch" method to collect your urine sample. If you have hemorrhoids that bleed or are having your menstrual period, tell your provider before your test.
There is no known risk to having a urinalysis or a bilirubin in urine test.
Understanding results
A bilirubin in urine test is only one measure of your liver health. To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.
- Not detected: Normally, bilirubin isn't found in urine. Limitation: Certain medicines and supplements may affect your results, so let your provider know what you are taking. Next step: To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.
- Bilirubin detected in urine: If bilirubin is found in your urine, it may be a sign that you have: A liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, A blockage in your bile ducts, the small tubes that carry bile out of your liver. Limitation: A bilirubin in urine test is only one measure of your liver health. Next step: If your test results aren't normal, your provider may order other tests, including a liver panel.
- A bilirubin in urine test is only one measure of your liver health.
- Certain medicines and supplements may affect your results, so let your provider know what you are taking.
What to do next
If your test results aren't normal, your provider may order other tests, including a liver panel. If you do an at-home bilirubin in urine test, talk with your provider about your results.
- What does it mean if bilirubin is found in my urine?
- Will I need other tests if my results are abnormal?
- Can medicines I take affect my test results?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.