What blood test is commonly elevated in all types of jaundice?

Total bilirubin is the correct choice because it is the substance that accumulates in the bloodstream when there is an excess production of bilirubin or impaired excretion from the liver. Jaundice is characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, which occurs when there is a high concentration of bilirubin in the blood.

In cases of jaundice, whether it is due to hemolysis (pre-hepatic), liver dysfunction (hepatic), or obstruction of bile flow (post-hepatic), total bilirubin levels are elevated. This includes both unconjugated (indirect) and conjugated (direct) forms of bilirubin, making it a definitive marker for diagnosing different types of jaundice.

Other options do play a role in liver function tests, but they are not universally elevated in all types of jaundice. For instance, alkaline phosphatase is typically elevated in cases of obstructive jaundice, but it may not be elevated in hemolytic jaundice. Albumin levels can vary depending on the underlying liver condition and are not specifically indicative of jaundice itself. Electrolyte levels are generally not relevant to jaundice and do not reflect bilirubin metabolism. Thus, total bilirubin stands out as the most consistent