Urobilinogen in Urine
Explanation
Urobilinogen is a substance formed when bacteria in the intestine break down bilirubin. Small amounts can normally be found in urine. This urine finding is different from bilirubin in urine.
How does it reach the urine?
Bilirubin comes mainly from the breakdown of old red blood cells. The liver processes it and sends it into the intestine in bile, a digestive fluid. Intestinal bacteria then convert it into urobilinogen. Some returns to the bloodstream and leaves the body in urine.
What can a high or low result mean?
Higher levels may occur with liver disease or increased breakdown of red blood cells. Low or absent urobilinogen can occur when less bile reaches the intestine.
These are possible explanations, not diagnoses from a single urine result. The amount does not reliably identify the cause or show how severe a condition is.
How is the result interpreted?
Your doctor considers the laboratory's reference information, symptoms and other findings, which may include blood tests. A normal urine urobilinogen result does not rule out all liver disease.
Urobilinogen and bilirubin are separate substances. If both appear on a urine report, each result needs to be read under its own name.
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