Urobilinogen is normally present in the urine in low concentrations (0.2-1.0 mg/dL).
How is it formed?
It is formed from bilirubin by intestinal bacteria in the duodenum, and a portion of it is absorbed back into the blood. Most urobilinogen is excreted in the feces or transported back to the liver and converted into bile. The remaining urobilinogen (<1%) is excreted in the urine.
What does a positive test mean?
Positive test results may indicate liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver damage due to drugs or toxic substances, or conditions associated with increased RBC destruction (hemolytic anemia).
Low or negative test results:
When urine urobilinogen is low or absent in a person with urine bilirubin and/or signs of liver dysfunction, it can indicate the presence of hepatic or biliary obstruction.
| Dipstick Urinalysis | Normal | Biliary obstruction | Hepatic disease | Haemolytic disease |
| Bilirubin | Negative | Positive | Positive | Negative |
| Urobilinogen | Positive | Negative/ Decreased | Increased | Increased |
Normal ranges for Urobilinogen:
0.2 – 1 mg/dl
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