Jaundice

This condition is treated in the Gastroenterology clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply to referral standards and include in particular:

• Onset of symptoms
• Past history including previous jaundice
• Alcohol, smoking and illicit drug use
• Overseas travel

Tests

Initial work up:

• LFTs
• Hepatocellular (elevated transaminases):
  • Viral serology: HAV, HBV, HCV, EBV, CMV
• Abdominal Ultrasound if cholestatic (elevated ALP & GGT)
• FBE
• U&Es
• If isolated raised bilirubin: haemolysis screen
• Prothrombin time/INR
• Immunoglobulins
• Autoantibodies (SMA, AMA)
• Clinical evidence of encephalopathy
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • CT where appropriate

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Gastroenterology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Suspected acute, severe or fulminant hepatic failure

Direct referral to Emergency Department

Please contact Emergency Department Medical Officer in Charge via Royal Hobart Hospital switchboard 6166 8308

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

When patient presents with any of the following, contact Gastroenterology Registrar via switch 6166 8308:

🚩 ALTover 1000, abnormal INR, encephalopathy

🚩 Severe clinical or biochemical hepatocellular jaundice

Refer to Emergency Department OR Liver Clinic (depending on severity)

🚩 Obstructive jaundice (dilated ducts)

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the clinic and the relevant doctor for urgent assessment, or patient should be directed immediately to the Emergency Department.

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

Unexplained non-obstructive cholestatic jaundice

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 3 - Specialist Clinics

Phone: 1300 977 694
Fax: 03 6777 5227

North West

All North West referrals are managed via  Mersey Community Hospital
Phone: 03 6478 5222
Fax: 03 6441 5942

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 10)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 3982