Symptom Guide

Yellow Skin or Eyes: What Tests Reveal

Name: Yellow Skin or Eyes (Jaundice): What Blood Tests Reveal
Creator: Suman Konda
Published: 2026-07-05

Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice) is always a sign of a medical condition that needs investigation. Here's what blood tests find: and when it's urgent.

Written by Suman Konda, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist · Editorial policy · Not medical advice

Last updated: 01 August 2026 · How we check our content

What causes yellow skin and eyes?

Jaundice occurs when bilirubin: a yellow pigment from broken-down red blood cells, builds up in the blood. The yellow colour deposits in skin, eyes (sclera) and sometimes darkens urine. Jaundice is not a disease itself, it's a sign of one of three types of problems: pre-liver (too many red cells breaking down), liver (liver cells damaged), or post-liver (bile duct blocked).

Blood tests to diagnose jaundice

1. Bilirubin (Total, Direct, Indirect): First test

The pattern of which bilirubin fraction is elevated points to the cause. High indirect = haemolysis or Gilbert's syndrome. High direct = liver disease or bile duct blockage. Total bilirubin above 2.5 mg/dL causes visible jaundice.

2. LFT (Liver Function Tests): Liver damage marker

SGPT/ALT and SGOT/AST rise in liver cell damage (hepatitis). ALP and GGT rise in bile duct problems (cholestasis). The pattern helps distinguish hepatocellular (liver cell) from cholestatic (bile duct) jaundice.

3. Hepatitis Viral Markers

Hepatitis A IgM, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis E IgM: viral hepatitis is the most common cause of acute jaundice in adults globally. Hepatitis A and E are spread via contaminated water and food.

4. CBC: Rules out haemolytic anaemia

Low haemoglobin + high indirect bilirubin + normal LFT = haemolytic jaundice. The liver is fine: red cells are breaking down too fast. Causes: sickle cell crisis, G6PD deficiency reaction, autoimmune haemolysis.

When is jaundice an emergency?

Go to hospital immediately if jaundice comes with: Fever and shaking chills (cholangitis, infected blocked bile duct, life-threatening), confusion or drowsiness (liver failure), severe abdominal pain, dark urine + pale/clay-coloured stools (complete bile duct blockage), or jaundice in a newborn baby (especially in first 24 hours).

Common causes by age group

Age Group	Most Common Causes
Newborns	Physiological jaundice, blood group incompatibility, G6PD deficiency
Children & Young Adults	Hepatitis A, E (contaminated water), Gilbert's syndrome
Adults 20–50	Hepatitis B, C, alcoholic hepatitis, gallstones
Elderly (>60)	Gallstones, pancreatic cancer (painless jaundice = investigate urgently)