Jaundice in Adults > Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment!

Diagnosing jaundice

Diagnosing jaundice itself is quite easy. All it takes is a look at the mirror to realize that you are indeed jaundiced, but to diagnose its extent and the cause behind it remains challenging. This is due to the many different conditions that may be causing it and the different approaches to their treatment. In general, your doctor will listen to your complaints and will ask you questions including those about the symptoms mentioned above. The aim of those questions is to ascertain the severity of the jaundice and gain clues as to the cause. Afterwards, they will ask for a number of investigations including lab tests and imaging studies. The most commonly ordered lab tests include:

• Bilirubin level: Bilirubin can be measured in the blood and the direct type can also be measured alone. This is essential to identify whether the cause of jaundice is more likely obstructive.
• Liver function tests: Liver function tests are essential to diagnose and exclude liver conditions that may be the underlying cause of the jaundice. Elevated liver enzymes point towards liver damage
• A complete blood count is also essential to exclude conditions related to the blood such as hemolytic anemia, and it can also point towards infection if present.
• Blood film: A blood film is similar to a complete blood count, but it is done manually under the microscope by a specialist clinical pathologist. It allows them to examine a slide of blood for any abnormal cells or signs of hemolysis.
• Alkaline phosphatase and GGT: They are specific markers that rise in the blood when there is damage to the biliary tree. They usually increase in case of obstructive jaundice.
• Tumor markers: Tumor markers are special substances that are secreted by tumor cells or increase significantly in the blood when a tumor causes damage to the original tissue. In the case of jaundice. The main tumor markers that need to be tested include alpha fetoprotein for hepatocellular carcinoma, CA19.9 for pancreatic cancer, and CEA for colon cancer that might have spread to the liver. Tumor markers do not diagnose cancers but are useful in their exclusion and follow up.
• Antibody tests: Some antibody tests may be done to detect the presence of autoimmune hepatitis including SMA, LKM, and AMA.