The evaluation of jaundice begins with a complete history and physical examination.

The diagnosis of jaundice is made during physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with jaundice may include:

• Jaundice:
• Yellow skin
• Yellow eyes
• Brown urine
• Abnormal stool:
• Clay-colored stool
• Blood in the stool
• Vomiting blood
• Excessive bruising of the skin
• Liver enlargement
• Liver tenderness
• Pale skin
• Confusion

Testing is necessary to determine the cause of jaundice.

Tests that may be used to evaluate jaundice include:

• Liver profile:
• May show elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin
• Complete blood count
• Hepatitis panel
• Coagulation profile
• Serum ammonia level
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• CT scan of the abdomen
• MRI scan of the abdomen
• Nuclear scan of the liver
• HIDA scan of the gallbladder

Less commonly performed tests that may be used to evaluate jaundice include:

• ERCP
• Liver biopsy
• Laparoscopy with liver biopsy

For more information:

• Alcoholic hepatitis evaluation
• Hepatitis A evaluation
• Hepatitis B evaluation
• Hepatitis C evaluation
• Hepatitis D evaluation
• Hepatitis E evaluation
• Hemolytic anemia evaluation
• Primary biliary cirrhosis evaluation
• Pancreatic cancer evaluation