Information about a laboratory test

Low Urobilinogen in Urine: What Does It Mean?

Very low or absent urobilinogen can occur in some bile-flow disorders and is not diagnostic by itself.

Test summary

Test name
Urobilinogen in Urine
Abbreviations
Urobilinogen
Category
Urinalysis / Liver-Hemolysis
Panel
Urinalysis
Specimen
Urine
Common units
mg/dL, EU/dL, qualitative

What does the test measure?

The Urobilinogen in Urine test assesses the amount of urobilinogen in urine.

Why is the test ordered?

It is used to provide context about bilirubin metabolism, liver function and red blood cell breakdown.

Information about a low result

Very low or absent urobilinogen can occur in some bile-flow disorders and is not diagnostic by itself.

Information about a high result

High urobilinogen may occur with liver disease or increased red blood cell breakdown.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own. Interpretation may be more informative when related urine parameters are considered together.

Related specialties

  • Internal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Nephrology
  • Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  1. Urinalysis — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2025 · Urinalysis components, routine use and qualitative normal findings · Verified: Aug 12, 2026

  2. Urobilinogen in Urine — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2024 · Urine urobilinogen and bilirubin metabolism context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026