Neonatal jaundice diagnostic study of choice

Jaundice Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Jaundice from other Conditions
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
Electrocardiogram
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Neonatal jaundice diagnostic study of choice On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Neonatal jaundice diagnostic study of choice All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Neonatal jaundice diagnostic study of choice
CDC on Neonatal jaundice diagnostic study of choice
Neonatal jaundice diagnostic study of choice in the news
Blogs on Neonatal jaundice diagnostic study of choice
Directions to Hospitals Treating Jaundice
Risk calculators and risk factors for Neonatal jaundice diagnostic study of choice

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

Overview

Bilirubin plasma level is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of jaundice. Usually the concentration of bilirubin in the blood must exceed 2–3 mg/dL for the coloration to be easily visible.

Diagnostic Study of Choice

Study of choice:

• Bilirubin plasma level is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of jaundice.
• Usually the concentration of bilirubin in the blood must exceed 2–3 mg/dL for the coloration to be easily visible.
• Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of jaundice include:
  • An elevated concentration of serum total bilirubin. The upper limit of normal is >1 mg/dL or >1.3 mg/d in some laboratories.
  • Jaundice usually becomes clinically apparent when the serum total bilirubin concentration is greater than 2 to 3 mg/dL, but threshold for clinically apparent jaundice may vary among patients.
• Hyperbilirubinemia can be further categorized as conjugated or unconjugated:
  • Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia:
    • Serum conjugated bilirubin concentration >0.4 mg/dL (6.8 micromol/L).
    • Direct bilirubin >1 mg/dL (17 micromol/L) if the total bilirubin is <5 mg/dL (85 micromol/L), or more than 20 percent of the total bilirubin if the total bilirubin is >5 mg/dL (85 micromol/L).
  • Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia:
    •  Conjugated bilirubin is <1 mg/dL (17 micromol/L) if the total bilirubin is <5 mg/dL, or less than 20 percent of the total bilirubin if the total bilirubin is >5 mg/dL (85 micromol/L).