Bile salts aid in fat digestion and absorption, while bile pigments (bilirubin) are breakdown products of hemoglobin.

Normally, these substances are excreted into the intestine via bile and are absent in urine.

In liver disease or bile duct obstruction, they may spill into the bloodstream and be excreted in urine.

Clinical uses include:

Screening for cholestasis and obstructive jaundice.

Supporting diagnosis of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other hepatocellular diseases.

Detecting early liver dysfunction in patients with jaundice.

Often performed alongside Liver Function Tests (LFTs), Urine Analysis, and imaging studies for comprehensive evaluation.

Analytes:

Bile salts in urine (qualitative).

Bile pigments (conjugated bilirubin) in urine (qualitative).

Normal Result: Negative (no bile salts or pigments detected).

Abnormal Findings:

Positive bile salts: Suggests cholestasis or biliary obstruction.

Positive bile pigments: Indicates hepatocellular disease or obstructive jaundice.

Absent bile pigments in complete obstruction: May occur when bilirubin cannot reach urine.

Clinical Use:

Provides a simple screening marker for hepatobiliary disorders.

Helps guide diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning.

Supports gastroenterology and hepatology evaluations.