What initial blood tests should I order for an adult patient presenting with jaundice?

For an adult patient presenting with jaundice, initial blood tests should include liver function tests such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum albumin, total bilirubin, and total globulins. Additionally, a full blood count and prothrombin time should be ordered to assess liver synthetic function and possible coagulopathy. Testing for viral hepatitis markers is also important, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV), hepatitis D virus antibody (anti-HDV), HIV antibody (anti-HIV), and IgG antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV). If hepatitis B surface antigen is positive, further tests such as hepatitis B e antigen/antibody (HBeAg/anti-HBe), HBV DNA level, and IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgM) should be arranged. These tests help identify the cause of jaundice and guide referral to specialist care if needed ².