Urobilinogen in Urine Test
This test measures the amount of urobilinogen in your urine. Urobilinogen is a substance made when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Normal urine contains some urobilinogen. High or low levels may signal liver problems or other conditions.
What this test measures
A urobilinogen in urine test measures the amount of urobilinogen in your urine. Urobilinogen comes from bilirubin, which is made when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Your liver uses bilirubin to make bile, and bacteria in your intestines break down bilirubin to form urobilinogen.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
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, or hemolytic anemia.
Lower-than-normal results
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, or a problem with liver function.
Frequently asked questions
What is urobilinogen?
Urobilinogen is a substance made when your body breaks down old red blood cells. It comes from bilirubin, which is used by your liver to make bile.
Why is this test done?
This test may be part of a urinalysis to check your general health, including your urinary tract and kidneys, and to help diagnose diseases that affect the liver.
What does a high level of urobilinogen mean?
A higher-than-normal level may be a sign of hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver damage due to medicines, or hemolytic anemia.
What does a low level of urobilinogen mean?
Too little or no urobilinogen may be a sign of a blockage in bile ducts, a blockage in blood flow through the liver, or a problem with liver function.
Can medicines affect the test results?
Yes, certain medicines and supplements can affect your results. Tell your provider what you are taking, but do not stop any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Urobilinogen in Urine — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.