Bilirubin, 24-Hour Urine — Qualitative Strip
A qualitative urine dipstick test that checks whether bilirubin is present in a 24-hour urine collection.
["A positive result may indicate excess bilirubin in the urine and should be interpreted along with other liver and blood tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44033-9
- Short code
- Bilirub 24h Ur Ql Strip
- Synonyms
- Bilirub 24h Ur Ql Strip
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- test-strip
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test checks a 24-hour urine collection for the presence of bilirubin, a yellow pigment made during the breakdown of red blood cells. The strip provides a qualitative result, such as negative or positive, rather than an exact measurement.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test as part of an evaluation for jaundice, liver disease, bile duct problems, or increased red blood cell breakdown. It may be used with other urine and blood tests to help determine the cause of an abnormal result.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. A laboratory staff member may dip a bilirubin reagent strip into the collected urine and compare the color change with the strip's reference chart.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's instructions for the 24-hour collection, including when to begin and end it and how to store the container. Do not change your diet, medications, or fluid intake unless your clinician specifically instructs you to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Bilirubin is normally not detectable in urine. A positive result may occur when the body is producing and excreting increased amounts of bilirubin, which can be associated with liver or bile duct disease or increased red blood cell breakdown. Results can also be affected by collection or testing conditions, so the result should be interpreted by a clinician using your medical history and other laboratory findings.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Bilirubin
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result always mean I have a liver disease?
Why is a 24-hour urine collection required?
Can medications or urine color affect the result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy