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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff
Often found by accident or if you have jaundice
If you have jaundice, your doctor may suspect that you have Gilbert syndrome or perhaps another condition. Often, though, Gilbert is found purely by accident when you have blood tests for other health reasons. Although it's present from birth, Gilbert syndrome usually isn't diagnosed until puberty or later, when bilirubin production increases.
Blood tests
Your doctor may do a physical exam and order additional blood tests. With Gilbert syndrome, unless you have an episode of jaundice, there are no physical signs or symptoms.
Common blood tests include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Liver function tests
A diagnosis of Gilbert syndrome can usually be made from blood tests. With Gilbert syndrome, all of the results will typically be normal except for the mildly increased level of unconjugated bilirubin.
When you have Gilbert syndrome, the level of bilirubin in your blood may fluctuate. It's not always higher than the normal range. If your initial blood test shows a normal level of bilirubin, your doctor may suggest repeating the tests a couple of times.
Tests that help rule out other conditions
Rarely, your doctor may suggest other tests, including:
- An ultrasound of your liver
- Fasting for a 24-hour period to see if that increases bilirubin levels
- Genetic testing, which is not widely available, to check for the abnormal gene that causes Gilbert syndrome
When you have jaundice or a high bilirubin level, it's important to ensure that you don't have a more serious liver condition such as hepatitis or an obstructed bile duct. Your doctor may recommend other tests to check for such conditions.
