Before we begin: A urobilinogen in urine test looks for liver disease or damage. It may be done during your routine checkup or to check for a liver problem or type of anemia.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about urobilinogen in urine. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is a urobilinogen in urine test?
A urobilinogen in urine test measures the amount of urobilinogen in your urine (pee). Urobilinogen comes from bilirubin. Your body makes bilirubin during the normal process of breaking down old red blood cells. Your liver uses the bilirubin to make bile, a fluid that helps you digest food in your intestines. Some bile flows through your bile ducts (small tubes) from your liver directly into your intestines. The rest is stored in your gallbladder for when you need it.
Good bacteria in your intestines breaks down the bilirubin in your bile and makes urobilinogen. Some of the urobilinogen leaves your body in your stool (poop). Some of it enters your bloodstream and returns to your liver, where it’s “recycled” into bile. Normal urine contains some urobilinogen.
High levels of urobilinogen in urine may be a sign that:
- Your liver can’t recycle urobilinogen into bile because of a liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
- Your liver is making too much bilirubin because your body breaks down red blood cells faster than it can make them. This condition is called hemolytic anemia.
Little or no urobilinogen in urine may be a sign of:
- Something blocking bile from flowing into your intestines.
- Other problems with your liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts.
Other names: urine test; urine analysis; UA, chemical urinalysis
What is it used for?
A urobilinogen in urine test may be part of a urinalysis, a test which may include a visual check of your urine sample, tests for certain chemicals, and an examination under a microscope to look for certain types of cells. A urinalysis is often used to check your general health, including the health of your urinary tract and kidneys. It can also help diagnose diseases that affect the liver and many other medical conditions.
Why do I need a urobilinogen in urine test?
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
What happens during a urobilinogen in urine test?
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.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
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.
Are there any risks to the test?
There is no known risk to having this test.
What do the results mean?
If your test results show too little or no urobilinogen in your urine, it may be a sign of:
- 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
- A problem with liver function
If your test results show a higher-than-normal level of urobilinogen , it may be a sign of:
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Liver damage due to medicines
- Hemolytic anemia
If your test results aren’t normal, it doesn’t always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Certain medicines and supplements can affect your results, so be sure to let your provider know what you are taking. But don’t stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
Is there anything else I need to know about a urobilinogen in urine test?
A urobilinogen in urine test alone cannot diagnose a specific condition. 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.
Also known as: urine test; urine analysis; UA, chemical urinalysis.
Key Takeaways
Understanding urobilinogen in urine is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.