Urine · µmol/L

Urobilinogen (urine)

Urobilinogen forms from bilirubin in the intestine; part of it returns to the blood and is excreted in the urine. Small amounts are normal; abnormalities may hint at the liver or breakdown of blood cells.

Ranges we useEFLM
RatingRangeWhat it means
Goodbelow 20 µmol/LWithin range.
Worth improving20 µmol/L and aboveAbove the detection limit. As a test for liver disease this is outdated; assess with blood tests.
Source: EFLM · European Urinalysis Guideline 2023 (Kouri T et al.) · 2023

Why it matters

ECLM: elevated with liver disease/hemolysis.

If it’s low

Absent urobilinogen (with jaundice) may indicate obstruction of the bile ducts — bilirubin does not reach the intestine.

If it’s high

Elevated urobilinogen can accompany liver disease or accelerated breakdown of blood cells (hemolysis).

What to do

Evaluate together with liver tests and bilirubin. On its own it is only a hint; an abnormality with jaundice belongs to a doctor.

When to see a doctor

An abnormality with jaundice, dark urine or pale stool → consultation

Read together with

Bilirubin (total) · ALT · Haptoglobin

This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.

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