Any knowledge please share

[Veeru1093]

I wanted to get insights

1. If bilirubin is present in urine causing it to be darker would it definitely be picked up in the blood test in that case.

2.do ultrasounds pick up fibrosis?

3. When I originally had my urine tested it was dark in the toilet so I panicked and called gp who advised to bring a sample in within the next hour, so I chugged lots of water to produce a sample and was told this was normal, Is this an accurate reading, or should I take my initial / morning sample for testing. .

4. I am privately testing for hep A-C as I want to rule out all cause for issues.

5. I showed the phlebotomist and pharmacist my urine who insisted I needed further testing and a second opinion, also my private scan did show, thicker blood slight raises alp bilirubin and bile acid so I think I’m valid to have all testing to ensure there isn’t something hurting my liver currently.

[Sunnyskies33]

Ultrasounds can show a bumpy, bright or nodular liver which suggests the need for a fibroscan to see whether there is scarring or what percent fatty change has occurred. They can also show whether the size and shape of the liver are normal and other factors that can suggest the need for other tests.

[Fibro2021]

Bilirubin in urine usually appears when the level of direct (conjugated) bilirubin in the blood is elevated. This is because only water-soluble bilirubin (direct bilirubin) can pass through the kidneys and be excreted in urine. Dark urine caused by bilirubin typically indicates liver dysfunction, bile duct problems, or hemolytic conditions. However, the presence of bilirubin in urine does not always guarantee a significant increase in blood bilirubin levels, especially if the issue is temporary or mild. If your urine appears dark but blood tests show no abnormalities, further testing or consideration of other causes (e.g., dehydration, which can affect urine color) may be necessary.

Standard ultrasound cannot directly detect liver fibrosis but may reveal indirect signs such as liver enlargement, changes in liver structure and echogenicity, or other indicators. Fibroscan and elastography methods are used to diagnose fibrosis. MR elastography (MRE) is considered the most accurate method for assessing liver fibrosis. It outperforms ultrasound-based elastography in terms of precision and reliability, especially in the early stages of fibrosis or in complex cases.

If you are concerned about fibrosis, discuss the possibility of MR elastography or shear wave elastography (via ultrasound) with your doctor to better understand the condition of your liver.

[Confused-one]

If your bilurubin is being checked, it will show up - it's a simple level check.

Your post sounds like you may have some health anxiety. It's important that you keep your concerns managed and proportionate. If you have health professionals testing and the tests are negative, you need to take that on board.

[Veeru1093 in reply to Confused-one]

I definitely understand why it comes across as health anxiety, but I have had private test which showed raised bilirubin, alp, bile acid and blood thickness which indicate liver damage/ disease.

I am overjoyed that nhs tests are all clear and so is ultrasound, only reason I want to explore all avenues is to ensure that if something is there it is caught and treated before irreversible damage i.e. hepatitis.

The pharmacist and phlebotomist also agreed the urine colour I have is NOT normal so even if it’s not liver disease the reason needs to be found, also I ignored this for 10 months thinking it’ll go back to normal it’s nothing but it hasn’t gone away to my dismay.

I want to be certain the urine test sample was accurate for testing as personally I realised that the urine I took in wasn’t my usual dark one, it was after drinking two litres to produce a sample and was crystal clear, so bilirubin not being detected is no surprise to me.

I wish more than anyone that it just Health anxiety.

[Sunnyskies33]

Hi Veeru. Another thought if the color of urine is your main concern. Some of the B vitamins (I think thiamine) can make urine bright yellow if taken in doses too large to use. I've been told this causes no harm as the body secretes the extra. Also foods can cause color changes and smells.