Urine bile salts, bile pigments and urobilinogen
Quick answer: These urine tests check for bile pigment (bilirubin), bile salts and urobilinogen, substances linked to how the liver handles bile. Doctors order them when jaundice, liver disease, a blocked bile duct or fast breakdown of red blood cells is suspected.
- SampleUrine
- TakesA few minutes to give the sample
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed; a fresh sample gives the most useful result.
How the test is done
- 1You pass urine into a clean container
- 2A fresh sample is needed, as bilirubin and urobilinogen break down in light
- 3The lab uses test strips and simple chemical tests
- 4Each substance is reported as present or absent, or as normal or raised
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Results are usually reported as present or absent; your doctor will read them together with blood liver tests.
If the result is outside the usual range
Bile pigment and bile salts in urine can be seen with hepatitis, other liver disease or a blocked bile duct. Raised urobilinogen can be seen with liver disease or fast breakdown of red cells, while absent urobilinogen can point to blocked bile flow.
Who usually has this test
People with jaundice, dark urine, pale stools or suspected liver problems.
Risks and aftercare
There are no risks, but see a doctor promptly if your eyes or skin turn yellow.
Names and options
Also called: urine bilirubin, BS BP urine, urine urobilinogen, bile in urine test
Options
- Bile pigment (bilirubin), urine
- Bile salts, urine
- Bile salts, bile pigment and urobilinogen together
- Urobilinogen, urine
Listed by the hospital as
- BILE PIGMENT, URINE (QUALITATIVE)
- BILE SALT, URINE (QUALITATIVE)
- BS_BP_UROBILINOGEN, URINE
- UROBILINOGEN, URINE (QUALITATIVE)
Questions about this test
Why is my urine dark yellow or brown?
Dark urine is often just from not drinking enough water, but it can also be caused by bilirubin when the liver or bile ducts are not working well. If dark urine comes with yellow eyes or pale stools, see a doctor.
Does this test diagnose the cause of jaundice?
It gives clues about the type of jaundice, but it does not diagnose the cause. Doctors usually confirm with blood tests such as liver function tests and sometimes a scan.
Why is a fresh urine sample needed?
Bilirubin and urobilinogen break down when urine stands or is exposed to light. A fresh sample tested quickly gives a more reliable result.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.