Urobilinogen Urine Test
Also known as Urobilinogen Random UrineWhat is this test?
Urine Urobilinogen test measures the amount of urobilinogen in the urine.
What is Urobilinogen?
Urobilinogen is a byproduct of bilirubin, a yellowish substance found in the liver. Bilirubin helps in the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver. Urobilinogen is formed in intestines and removed from the body through urine or stool. Normally, the urine will contain some amount of urobilinogen. Low or high urobilinogen levels in the urine helps to assess the liver function.
Why this test is performed?
This test is one among many tests used to evaluate your liver function. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you have an existing liver disorder or if you experience any signs and symptoms of liver damage such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark colored urine, nausea and/or vomiting, itchy skin, pain and swelling in the abdomen. This test may also be performed as part of urinalysis as a routine test. You may be advised to undergo this test if you have a family history of liver problems.
Frequency
If you have a family history of liver problems, your doctor may ask you to perform this test on a 6-monthly basis or a yearly basis. Patients with liver disorders should perform this test on a regular basis, as instructed by the doctor.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Urobilinogen Urine Test. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Urobilinogen Urine Test.
No specific preparation is required for this test. However, if it is performed along with other urine or blood tests, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours.
Understanding your test results
If the test result falls in the normal reference range, generally no medical intervention is necessary.
If the test result shows too little or no urobilinogen in the urine may indicate a problem with liver function. This is because bilirubin is not excreted into the intestinal tract. This usually indicates partial or complete obstruction of the bile ducts or a blockage in the blood flow of the liver. Symptoms of liver damage are yellowing of skin or eyes, dark colored urine, nausea and/or vomiting, itchy skin, pain and swelling in the abdomen.
If the test result shows high urobilinogen levels in the urine may indicate many conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver damage due to medicines, or hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed.
If you have higher or lower than normal levels of urobilinogen in urine consult your doctor for further instructions. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | 0.2 - 1 mg/dl |