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Bilirubin - urine

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Illustrations

Male urinary system
Male urinary system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Conjugated bilirubin-urine; Direct bilirubin-urine

Definition    Return to top

This test measures the amount of bilirubin in the urine. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid produced by the liver. Large amounts of bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

For this test, you must urinate into a special bag or container every time you use the bathroom for 24-hour period.

For an infant:

Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra (the hole where urine flows out). Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end).

Put a diaper on the baby, over the bag.

The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated. Empty the urine from the bag into the container provided by your doctor.

Because lively infants can cause the bag to move, this procedure may take a couple of attempts. Extra collection bags may be necessary.

When finished, label and return the container as instructed.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking any drugs that may interfere with the test.

Drugs than can increase the level of bilirubin include:

Drugs that can cause reduce the level of bilirubin include indomethacin and ascorbic acid.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test may be done to diagnose liver or gallbladder problems.

Normal Results    Return to top

Bilirubin is not normally found in the urine.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Increased levels of bilirubin in the urine may be due to:

Risks    Return to top

There are no risks.

Considerations    Return to top

Bilirubin can breakdown in the presence of light. That's why babies with jaundice are sometimes placed under blue fluorescent lamps. See: Bili lights

Update Date: 5/17/2007

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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