Bilirubin Clearance Rate, 24-Hour Urine — Serum/Plasma Comparison
Measures the amount of bilirubin excreted in urine over 24 hours and compares it with a serum or plasma bilirubin measurement.
["This test helps assess how effectively the body removes bilirubin, particularly when liver function or bile flow needs evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1969-5
- Short code
- Bilirub Cl 24h Ur+SerPl-vRate
- Synonyms
- Bilirub Cl 24h Ur+SerPl-vRate
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment made when the body breaks down heme, the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells. This test measures urinary bilirubin over 24 hours and may compare it with a serum or plasma bilirubin level to estimate bilirubin clearance.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to evaluate bilirubin processing when jaundice, abnormal liver tests, or suspected bile-flow problems are present. It may also be used to help understand the relationship between bilirubin in the blood and its elimination in urine.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for exactly 24 hours in a labeled container provided by the laboratory. The amount of bilirubin in that collection is measured, and the result may be compared with a serum or plasma bilirubin test obtained during the same evaluation.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's instructions for the start and end of the 24-hour collection. Save every urine sample during the collection period, note any missed samples, and ask whether the container should be refrigerated. Tell the clinician about medicines, pregnancy, or recent illness, but do not stop prescribed treatment unless instructed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A reduced bilirubin clearance rate may occur when the liver does not process or excrete bilirubin efficiently, as can happen with liver dysfunction or impaired bile flow. Increased urinary bilirubin may reflect higher circulating bilirubin, especially when the body is breaking down more red blood cells. Interpretation depends on the completeness of the urine collection and the other liver and blood test results.
Short name
24-hour urine bilirubin clearance
Frequently asked questions
Why is urine collected for 24 hours?
Does the test diagnose a specific condition?
What happens if part of the urine collection is missed?
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