Testing for Bilirubin

False Negative Results

False negative bilirubin dipstick results are often due to testing a specimen that is not fresh. Bilirubin breaks down when exposed to light. Indoxyl sulfate (Indican) can produce a yellow orange-to-red color response which may interfere with the interpretation of a positive or negative reaction. Positive nitrites due to a urinary tract infection may also cause a false negative result.

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