Urobilinogen in Urine

Why this test may be ordered

• As part of a routine checkup
• To monitor an existing liver condition
• If you have symptoms of liver disease or hemolytic anemia

Preparation and collection

You don't need any special preparations. 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. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.

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. It's important to follow these instructions so that germs from your skin don't get into the sample: Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them. Open the container without touching the inside. Clean your genital area with the cleansing wipe: For a penis, wipe the entire head (end) of the penis. If you have a foreskin, pull it back first. For a vagina, separate the labia (the folds of skin around the vagina) and wipe the inner sides from front to back. Urinate into the toilet for a few seconds and then stop the flow. Start urinating again, this time into the container. Don't let the container touch your body. Collect at least an ounce or two of urine into the container. The container should have markings to show how much urine is needed. Finish urinating into the toilet. Put the cap on the container and return it as instructed. 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 this test.

Understanding results

Normal urine contains some urobilinogen. Test results are interpreted by your healthcare provider, who will explain what they mean for you.

• Routine: Normal levels of urobilinogen in urine Limitation: If your test results aren't normal, it doesn't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Next step: No immediate follow-up needed unless symptoms develop.
• Prompt: Little or no urobilinogen in urine Limitation: This result may indicate a blockage in the ducts that carry bile from your liver or gallbladder to your intestines, a blockage in the blood flow through the liver, or a problem with liver function. Next step: Your provider will discuss follow-up testing and evaluation.
• Prompt: Higher-than-normal level of urobilinogen Limitation: This result may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver damage due to medicines, or hemolytic anemia. Next step: Your provider will discuss follow-up testing and evaluation.

• A urobilinogen in urine test alone cannot diagnose a specific condition.
• Certain medicines and supplements can affect your results.
• False positives or negatives may occur due to medications or supplements.
• Menstrual bleeding or bleeding hemorrhoids can contaminate the sample.

What to do next

If your test results aren't normal, your provider may order other tests to help diagnose liver disease or hemolytic anemia. To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.

• Your health care provider may order this test as part of your routine checkup or to monitor an existing liver condition.
• You may also have this test if you have symptoms of liver disease or hemolytic anemia.
• Liver disease/damage symptoms may include: Nausea and vomiting, Lack of appetite, Fatigue, Weakness, Jaundice (a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow), Swelling and/or pain in your abdomen (belly), Swelling in your ankles and legs, Dark-colored urine (pee) and/or light-colored stool (poop), Frequent itching.
• Hemolytic anemia symptoms may include: Fatigue, Dizziness, Heart palpitations (feeling that your heart is pounding or racing), Headache, Problems concentrating or thinking, Jaundice, Abdominal (belly) pain due to an enlarged liver or spleen.

Evidence source

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