Dark urine
An abnormal dark color of the urine.
Conditions associated with dark urine
The following conditions have been associated with dark urine in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Acute intermittent porphyria
Acute intermittent porphyria is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Dehydration
Loss of body fluids that can cause thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, and in severe cases confusion and...
Gallstones
Hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder and can block the bile duct, causing severe ...
Genetic recurrent myoglobinuria
Genetic recurrent myoglobinuria is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Glycogen storage disease due to muscle glycogen phosphorylase deficiency
Glycogen storage disease due to muscle glycogen phosphorylase deficiency is a medical condition that may be as...
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses (A, B, C), alcohol, medications, or autoimmune disea...
Hepatitis B
A viral liver infection that can be acute or chronic, transmitted through blood and bodily fluids....
Hepatitis C
A viral infection of the liver that can become chronic and cause liver damage over years. Often silent in earl...
Hereditary coproporphyria
Hereditary coproporphyria is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin, which can indicate liver, bile duct, or blood dis...
Mirizzi syndrome
Mirizzi syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Pancreatic Cancer
Cancer of the pancreas, which often has subtle early symptoms including jaundice, abdominal pain, and weight l...
Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and...
biliary, renal, neurologic, and skeletal syndrome
biliary, renal, neurologic, and skeletal syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various s...
mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 6 (hepatocerebral type)
mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 6 (hepatocerebral type) is a medical condition that may be associated wit...
Tests providers may use to investigate dark urine
When investigating dark urine, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)
Screens for autoimmune diseases such as lupus....
Alpha-Fetoprotein Afp Tumor Marker Test
This blood test determines Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP or a-Fetoprotein) levels....
Alt Blood Test Sgpt For Liver
This blood test measures levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), an enzyme in the blood, to help determine l...
Ammonia Test
This blood test is used to measure levels of ammonia to assess liver function. Symptoms of excess ammonia incl...
Anti-dsDNA Antibodies
Supports diagnosis and monitoring of systemic lupus erythematosus....
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
Measures glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function markers....
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Fasting Glucose
Measures blood sugar after fasting to screen for diabetes and prediabetes....
Hepatitis A Antibody Test
This blood test is used to detect the presence of IgM antibodies for the hepatitis A virus, a good indicator o...
Hepatitis A Immunity Test
This blood test panel is used to confirm whether or not an individual has had hepatitis A or has been immunize...
Symptoms commonly seen alongside dark urine
Clay-Colored Stool
Pale or clay-colored stools, which can indicate a lack of bile and a possible liver or bile duct problem....
Dizziness
A feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or faintness, which can be caused by many conditions....
Dry Mouth
A feeling of dryness in the mouth due to reduced saliva, which can be caused by medications, Sjogren syndrome,...
Reduced Skin Elasticity
Skin that stays tented when pinched, which is a sign of dehydration....
Right Upper Abdomen Pain
Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, which can be related to the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts....
Thirst
The sensation of needing to drink, which can be increased by dehydration, high blood sugar, or other condition...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if dark urine is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom dark urine mean?
Dark urine is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. An abnormal dark color of the urine.
Which conditions are associated with dark urine?
Dark urine has been reported in association with 15 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Acute intermittent porphyria, Dehydration, Gallstones, Genetic recurrent myoglobinuria, Glycogen storage disease due to muscle glycogen phosphorylase deficiency. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about dark urine?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.