What are the screening tests for jaundice?
Dr Shirish Kumar
Haematologist,
WHO,
Geneva
Haematologist,
WHO,
Geneva
Q: I am 27 years old and had jaundice for, which I took Ayurvedic medicine and now it’s almost cured. Tomorrow I have to get a blood test done. Can you please tell what all should I get tested along with bilirubin?
A:As a basic screen for jaundice, please get the following tests done:- Serum bilirubin (total & direct)- Serum AST, ALT (& GGT) and alkaline phosphatase- Serum protein levels- Tests for hepatitis B viral markers like HBsAg, anti HBe etc.- Maybe an abdominal ultrasound.But this cannot be decided by e-mail. Please show yourself to a doctor who will take a history and do a clinical examination, as this will suggest what tests need to be done.I am not trained in Ayurveda and am not competent to comment on that.