What does the Bismuth (Bi), Urine, Random test measure?

Why is Bismuth (Bi), Urine, Random measured?

Elevated urinary bismuth in clinical practice most commonly reflects recent use of bismuth-containing over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications. Bismuth subsalicylate use is the dominant confounding factor and must be documented on the requisition form. At very high therapeutic doses, bismuth encephalopathy has been described historically with prolonged high-dose use of certain bismuth preparations (no longer available in most markets). In standard functional medicine toxic metal panels, bismuth elevation is typically a medication-use finding rather than an environmental toxicant concern.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

<0.5 µg/g creatinine # REVIEWER FLAG: Confirm Mosaic Diagnostics reference range for urinary bismuth.

Functional medicine optimal

Undetectable in the absence of bismuth-containing medication use. # REVIEWER FLAG: No standardised optimal below reference range — reviewer to confirm framing.

Units

µg/g creatinine, µg/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.