What it is: A urobilinogen test checks for urobilinogen, a breakdown product of bilirubin produced in the intestines, in a urine sample as part of a dipstick urinalysis.
Why it's ordered: Ordered as part of routine urinalysis or to help evaluate suspected liver disease or conditions causing excess red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis).
What it detects: A small amount of urobilinogen is normally present in urine. Elevated levels can suggest hemolysis or liver dysfunction, while notably decreased or absent urobilinogen can suggest bile duct obstruction preventing bilirubin from reaching the intestines.
Collection & prep: A urine sample collected in a clean container, tested with a dipstick. No special preparation is required.
Results:
Elevated – may indicate hemolysis or liver dysfunction
Absent/very low – may indicate bile duct obstruction
Normal (trace amounts) – expected finding
Possible complications of the underlying condition: Abnormal urobilinogen is usually interpreted alongside urine bilirubin and blood liver function tests, since urobilinogen alone doesn't distinguish between a liver, bile duct, or blood-related cause.
Statements made in the Clinical Manual have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
