Question 1

What is Obstructive Jaundice?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive jaundice occurs when bile flow from the liver to the intestine is blocked, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is caused by gallstones, tumors, strictures, or other obstructions in the bile ducts that prevent bile drainage. The Carbohydrate Antigen (CA) 19-9 test is the most important tumor marker for assessing bile duct obstruction and monitoring treatment response.

Question 2

What causes obstructive jaundice?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive jaundice is caused by blockages in the bile ducts that prevent bile from flowing normally from the liver to the small intestine. The most common causes include gallstones that become lodged in the bile ducts, pancreatic or bile duct tumors, strictures (narrowing of the ducts due to inflammation or scarring), and less commonly, parasitic infections or enlarged lymph nodes pressing on the ducts. When bile cannot drain properly, bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream, causing the characteristic yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

Question 3

What is the best test for obstructive jaundice?

Accepted Answer

The Carbohydrate Antigen (CA) 19-9 blood test is the most important tumor marker for evaluating bile duct obstruction because it becomes elevated when bile flow is blocked, regardless of the underlying cause. This test helps monitor the degree of obstruction and assess how well treatment is working. CA 19-9 levels rise when bile cannot drain properly, making it valuable for tracking both malignant and benign causes of obstruction. Healthcare providers typically combine this test with liver function panels (measuring bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and liver enzymes) and imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans to identify the exact location and cause of the blockage.

Question 4

When should I get tested for obstructive jaundice?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, experience dark urine that looks like tea or cola, have pale or clay-colored stools, or develop severe itching all over your body. Other warning signs include pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, unexplained weight loss, fever with chills, or persistent nausea. These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation because bile duct obstruction can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including liver damage and infections.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of obstructive jaundice?

Accepted Answer

The hallmark symptom of obstructive jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which develops as bilirubin accumulates in the body. You might notice your urine becoming very dark while your stools turn pale or clay-colored. Intense itching all over your body is common because bile salts deposit in the skin. Many people experience pain in the upper right abdomen, especially if gallstones are the cause. Other symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and general fatigue as the liver struggles to function properly.

Question 6

Who is at risk for obstructive jaundice?

Accepted Answer

People over 60 years old face higher risk, particularly those with a history of gallstones or bile duct stones. Your risk increases if you have chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn disease, or primary sclerosing cholangitis (a condition causing bile duct inflammation and scarring). Those with a family history of bile duct or pancreatic cancer, heavy alcohol use, or obesity are also at increased risk. Recent abdominal surgery or bile duct procedures can lead to strictures that cause obstruction. People who have lived in areas where parasitic liver infections are common may develop bile duct blockages from parasites.

Question 7

What happens if obstructive jaundice is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated obstructive jaundice leads to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Bile backup causes progressive liver damage and eventual liver failure if the obstruction persists. Blocked bile ducts create an environment where bacteria can multiply, leading to cholangitis, a severe infection that can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis. The buildup of bile salts damages liver cells and prevents absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), leading to bleeding problems and bone disease. Prolonged obstruction increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and makes any underlying cancer more difficult to treat successfully.

Question 8

Can obstructive jaundice be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose obstructive jaundice by themselves, but they provide crucial supporting information when combined with imaging studies. The CA 19-9 test detects elevated tumor markers associated with bile duct obstruction, while liver function tests show elevated bilirubin (causing jaundice), increased alkaline phosphatase and GGT enzymes (indicating bile duct problems), and changes in other liver enzymes. Blood work also helps determine the severity of obstruction and whether complications like infection or liver damage have occurred. Definitive diagnosis requires ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or ERCP to visualize the bile ducts and identify the exact location and cause of the blockage.

Question 9

How is obstructive jaundice treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on removing or bypassing the blockage to restore normal bile flow. If gallstones are causing the obstruction, doctors perform an ERCP procedure to remove the stones through an endoscope or surgically remove the gallbladder. Tumors may require surgery to remove the affected portion of the bile duct or pancreas, sometimes with stent placement to keep the duct open. For strictures, doctors can dilate the narrowed area or place stents during ERCP. In cases where the blockage cannot be removed, surgeons create a bypass allowing bile to flow around the obstruction. Infections are treated with antibiotics, and vitamin K supplements help restore blood clotting ability.

Question 10

How can I prevent obstructive jaundice?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise, which helps prevent gallstone formation. Limit alcohol consumption to protect your liver and pancreas from inflammation that can lead to strictures. Eat a diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats to reduce gallstone risk. If you have inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions that increase bile duct obstruction risk, work closely with your gastroenterologist for regular monitoring. Promptly treating gallstones before they migrate into bile ducts prevents many cases of obstruction. Regular health screenings help detect pancreatic or bile duct problems early when treatment is most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home for obstructive jaundice?

Accepted Answer

While obstructive jaundice requires professional medical treatment, you can support your recovery by staying well-hydrated to help your body process bilirubin more effectively. Apply cool, damp cloths or use calamine lotion to relieve itching while avoiding hot showers that can worsen skin irritation. Eat small, frequent meals that are low in fat since your body has difficulty digesting fats when bile flow is reduced. Take prescribed vitamin supplements, especially vitamin K if recommended, to support proper blood clotting. Avoid alcohol completely to prevent further liver stress. Monitor your symptoms closely and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop fever, worsening abdominal pain, or confusion, as these may indicate serious complications requiring urgent care.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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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.
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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.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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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!
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Obstructive Jaundice Blood Test

What is Obstructive Jaundice?

What causes obstructive jaundice?

What is the best test for obstructive jaundice?

When should I get tested for obstructive jaundice?

References

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