Bilirubin, Urine — Test Strip, Mass Concentration
A urine test strip that checks for bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, which may be present when bile flow is impaired.
["Detects bilirubin in urine and may help evaluate possible liver or bile duct problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20505-4
- Short code
- Bilirub Ur Strip-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Bilirub Ur Strip-mCnc
- 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 uses a chemical reagent strip to detect bilirubin in urine. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed when the body breaks down hemoglobin and is normally processed by the liver.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test as part of a urinalysis, especially if you have symptoms of liver disease, a bile duct obstruction, or a condition that causes increased red blood cell breakdown.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and a reagent strip is dipped into it or placed in the urine. The color change on the strip's bilirubin pad is compared with the manufacturer's color chart to provide a result.
How do I prepare for the test?
For a routine urinalysis, collect urine in a clean, dry container as instructed by your healthcare provider. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, taking medications, or have recently had antibiotics or urine dyes, as these may affect some strip results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Bilirubin in urine may indicate that bilirubin is entering the blood faster than the liver can process and excrete it. This can occur with liver inflammation or damage, obstruction of bile ducts, or increased breakdown of red blood cells.
A positive result is not diagnostic by itself and should be interpreted with the rest of your urinalysis, liver tests, symptoms, and medical history. Light-colored urine, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, itching, or abdominal pain should be discussed promptly with a clinician.
Short name
Urine Bilirubin Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive urine bilirubin result mean?
Is urine bilirubin the same as a serum bilirubin test?
Can exercise, food, or medications 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