Assessment of jaundice

Jaundice (icterus) is the result of accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream and subsequent deposition in the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes. The normal range for total bilirubin is 3.4 to 20.0 micromol/L (0.2 to 1.2 mg/dL). Jaundice may not be clinically evident until serum levels >51 micromol/L (3 mg/dL).

Jaundice might result from increased bilirubin production (prehepatic), diseases that impair hepatocyte function (hepatocellular), or obstruction of the biliary system (cholestatic).

After a focused history and examination, evaluation of the liver with full blood count, serum liver function tests, and ultrasound is appropriate for most patients. Further imaging and laboratory tests depend on the likely diagnosis.