How Is Jaundice Diagnosed and Treated?
Anyone whose skin becomes abnormally yellow needs to see a doctor to find out why. Part of making the diagnosis may include special blood tests to determine whether the liver is diseased or whether too many red blood cells are being destroyed. A urine sample may be taken to test for bilirubin. A liver biopsy, in which a tiny tissue sample is removed for analysis, may be performed. Ultrasound scanning, which uses sound waves to look inside the body, may be used if the doctor is looking for gallstones or other causes of obstruction. After the doctor completes the diagnostic testing, an appropriate treatment plan is chosen according to the disorder identified as the cause of the jaundice.
