Question 1

What is Jaundice?

Accepted Answer

Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excessive bilirubin in the blood. It occurs when the liver cannot properly process bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to its accumulation in body tissues. The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for diagnosing jaundice because it measures total bilirubin levels along with other liver enzymes.

Question 2

What causes jaundice?

Accepted Answer

Jaundice is caused by excessive bilirubin accumulation in the blood, which occurs when the liver cannot process this yellow pigment efficiently. The most common causes include liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease, bile duct obstructions from gallstones or tumors, and hemolytic conditions where red blood cells break down too rapidly. In newborns, jaundice often results from an immature liver that cannot yet process bilirubin effectively, while in adults, it typically signals an underlying liver disorder, infection, or blockage in the bile ducts that requires medical evaluation.

Question 3

What is the best test for jaundice?

Accepted Answer

The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for jaundice because it measures total bilirubin levels along with liver enzymes like ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and proteins such as albumin. This comprehensive panel identifies both the presence and severity of jaundice while revealing whether the underlying cause is related to liver cell damage, bile duct obstruction, or excessive red blood cell breakdown. Normal bilirubin levels range from 0.2 to 1.2 mg/dL, and jaundice becomes visible when levels exceed 2.5 mg/dL. For patients recovering from COVID-19, the Post COVID-19 Expanded Panel includes bilirubin testing along with other markers to monitor potential post-viral liver complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for jaundice?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice yellowing of your skin, eyes, or the tissue under your tongue, especially when accompanied by dark urine, pale stools, itchy skin, or abdominal pain. Testing is also important if you have risk factors such as hepatitis exposure, heavy alcohol use, recent viral infections including COVID-19, or a family history of liver disease. Early testing helps identify the underlying cause before serious liver damage occurs, allowing for timely treatment and better outcomes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of jaundice?

Accepted Answer

The most obvious symptom of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, which becomes noticeable when bilirubin levels exceed 2.5 mg/dL. Other common symptoms include dark yellow or brown urine, pale or clay-colored stools, intense itching all over the body, fatigue, and abdominal pain or swelling. Some people also experience nausea, vomiting, fever, and unexplained weight loss, particularly when jaundice is caused by serious liver disease or bile duct obstruction.

Question 6

Who is at risk for jaundice?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic liver conditions such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease have the highest risk of developing jaundice. Heavy alcohol users, individuals taking medications that affect liver function, and those with gallstones or bile duct disorders are also at increased risk. Newborns, particularly premature babies, commonly experience temporary jaundice due to immature liver function. Additionally, people with blood disorders causing excessive red blood cell breakdown, recent viral infections including COVID-19, or genetic conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism face elevated risk.

Question 7

What happens if jaundice is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated jaundice can lead to serious complications depending on the underlying cause. Severe liver damage can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatic encephalopathy, a life-threatening condition where toxins build up in the brain. Prolonged bile duct obstruction may cause chronic liver damage, recurrent infections, and malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins. In newborns, extremely high bilirubin levels can cause kernicterus, a rare but devastating form of brain damage. Identifying and treating the root cause of jaundice early prevents these serious complications and improves long-term health outcomes.

Question 8

Can jaundice be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, jaundice is diagnosed with blood tests that measure bilirubin levels and assess liver function. The Liver Function Profile is the primary diagnostic tool, measuring total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, and liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase. These tests reveal not only whether bilirubin levels are elevated but also help determine if the cause is related to liver cell damage, bile duct obstruction, or excessive red blood cell breakdown. Additional imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans may be ordered to visualize the liver and bile ducts if obstruction is suspected.

Question 9

How is jaundice treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for jaundice depends entirely on the underlying cause. Liver infections like hepatitis may require antiviral medications, while bile duct obstructions from gallstones often need surgical removal. If medications are causing liver damage, your doctor will switch or discontinue them. Newborns with jaundice typically receive phototherapy, where special blue lights help break down bilirubin in the skin. For chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis, treatment focuses on managing the disease, reducing further damage through lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, liver transplantation may be necessary.

Question 10

How can I prevent jaundice?

Accepted Answer

Preventing jaundice involves protecting your liver from damage and disease. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight to prevent fatty liver disease, and avoid sharing needles or engaging in risky behaviors that spread bloodborne infections. Use medications only as prescribed and inform your doctor about all supplements, as some can harm the liver. Practice safe food handling to prevent infections, and if you have chronic liver disease, follow your treatment plan carefully and attend regular monitoring appointments to catch problems early.

Question 11

What can I do at home for jaundice?

Accepted Answer

While jaundice requires medical diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause, you can support your liver health at home by staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and completely avoiding alcohol. Get adequate rest to help your body recover, and avoid taking unnecessary medications or supplements that stress the liver. For itching, take cool baths with colloidal oatmeal and wear loose, soft clothing. However, these home measures complement but do not replace medical treatment, and you should always work with your healthcare provider to address the root cause of jaundice.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Jaundice Blood Test

What is Jaundice?

What causes jaundice?

What is the best test for jaundice?

When should I get tested for jaundice?

References

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