How is Jaundice Detected?

Understanding Jaundice Diagnosis: Testing & Treatment Insights

Studies show that up to 60% of full-term babies develop jaundice during their first week of life globally. Jaundice is a condition in which the mucous membranes, the whites of the eyes, and the skin become yellow due to an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced from the normal destruction of red blood cells.

Usually, the liver breaks down bilirubin and eliminates it from the body through bile. If this process is interrupted, bilirubin accumulates, leading to jaundice. Early detection is crucial for addressing the cause and preventing further problems like liver damage or bile duct obstruction.

Continue reading to learn how jaundice is diagnosed.

What are the Diagnostics Methods for Jaundice?

Listed below are the procedures doctors utilize to diagnose jaundice:

Recognizing Visible Signs

Diagnosis typically begins with the appearance of visible symptoms, such as:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Dark urine, even when the person is well-hydrated
• Pale or clay-coloured stools
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue and upper right abdominal discomfort

In some cases, particularly in neonates or dark-skinned individuals, jaundice may be subtle and initially present in the eyes or beneath the tongue. Early detection of these findings can be life-saving for patients at risk for liver disease.

Physical Exam and Medical History

Healthcare providers will gather a comprehensive history and physical examination to identify potential etiologies. A few of those questions may ask about the following:

• Duration and severity of symptoms
• Recent infections or medications
• Alcohol use
• Travel history to areas with higher hepatitis risk
• Family history of liver or blood disorders

A physician may find evidence of liver enlargement, tenderness, or ascites. The physician may also look for weight loss, leg bruises, or swelling, which are symptoms of chronic liver dysfunction.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing jaundice and establishing its aetiology. Common tests include:

• Bilirubin levels (total, direct, and indirect): To assess the severity and type of jaundice
• Liver function tests (LFTs): Including ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT, which indicate liver health
• Complete blood count (CBC): To identify infections or hemolysis
• Hepatitis panel: To check for viral hepatitis infections
• Prothrombin time (PT/INR): To assess how well the liver produces clotting proteins

These tests help determine whether jaundice is caused by liver damage, a blockage of the bile ducts, or excessive destruction of red blood cells. In some cases, additional tests, such as serum albumin or autoimmune testing, may be needed to better understand liver function.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests help visualize the liver and bile ducts. Some of them include:

• Ultrasound:A rapid and low-risk test for detecting gallstones, tumours, or liver disease.
• CT scan or MRI:If needed, a CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is used for detailed imaging.
• MRCP:MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) specifically examines the bile and pancreatic ducts.

These tests can reveal obstruction, inflammation, or structural abnormalities in bile flow and are crucial for treatment planning.

Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy may be performed in doubtful or even worse circumstances. This procedure involves removing a tiny piece of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. When other tests are inconclusive, it identifies chronic liver diseases, inflammation, or fibrosis.

Jaundice may appear as a harmless yellow pigmentation of the skin, but it can indicate severe medical conditions. Early detection through clinical findings, laboratory tests, and imaging is essential. Periodic health checkups can identify problems before they become symptomatic.

However, it’s wise to have health insurance to safeguard both your health and finances during critical times. At Star Health, we offer coverage for jaundice treatments under most of our insurance policies. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.