Which color is most significantly affected by bilirubin in a routine urinalysis?

Which color is most significantly affected by bilirubin in a routine urinalysis?

• A. Bilirubin
• B. Glucose
• C. Albumin
• D. Ketones

Answer: (A)

Bilirubin is a pigmented breakdown product that colors urine. When bilirubin is present in the urine, it imparts a yellow‑orange to amber hue, directly changing the sample’s color on gross inspection and contributing to the color read on the urine dipstick test. The other substances listed—glucose, albumin, and ketones—do not produce a noticeable color change in the urine itself during routine testing; they are detected by specific assays or cause other abnormalities but not a distinct color shift.

Bilirubin is a pigmented breakdown product that colors urine. When bilirubin is present in the urine, it imparts a yellow‑orange to amber hue, directly changing the sample’s color on gross inspection and contributing to the color read on the urine dipstick test. The other substances listed—glucose, albumin, and ketones—do not produce a noticeable color change in the urine itself during routine testing; they are detected by specific assays or cause other abnormalities but not a distinct color shift.