Bilirubin, a product of hemoglobin catabolism, is characterized by its distinctive yellow pigment. Only conjugated bilirubin is excreted in urine. If bilirubin is elevated and is conjugated, it will be detected by the urine reagent strip.
A detectable amount of bilirubin in urine is always abnormal.
The kidneys cannot excrete unconjugated bilirubin because it is bound to albumin and is water insoluble.
