Bilirubin in 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 using the "clean catch" method. Wash your hands, clean your genital area with a cleansing wipe, start urinating into the toilet for a few seconds, then stop the flow and collect the midstream urine into a container. Collect at least an ounce or two of urine. Put the cap on the container and return it as instructed.

There is no known risk to having a urinalysis or a bilirubin in urine test.

Understanding results

Results are reported as detected or not detected. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand what your results mean.

• Not detected: Normally, bilirubin is not found in urine. This suggests that your liver and bile ducts are functioning normally, but it does not rule out all liver conditions. Limitation: This test is only one measure of liver health; a normal result does not guarantee the absence of liver disease. Next step: No further action is needed unless you have symptoms or other abnormal test results. Continue routine health monitoring as advised by your provider.
• Detected: Bilirubin in your urine may be an early sign of a liver condition, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, or a blockage in your bile ducts. Limitation: This test is only one measure of liver health. Other tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis. Next step: Your provider may order other tests, including a liver panel (a group of blood tests that measures many different enzymes, proteins, and other substances in the liver) to further evaluate your liver function.

• 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 did 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

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Bilirubin in Urine