Abnormal liver function tests / jaundice
Adult

Hepatology

Useful Management Information

  • Lifestyle modification (increased activity, dietary, weight, smoking, alcohol)
  • Consider cessation of alcohol, hepatotoxic medication, herbal preparations, supplements, NSAIDs and benzodiazepines

Minimum Referral Criteria

Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?
Category 1 (appointment within 30 calendar days)
  • Abnormal liver function tests with ALT >500 and/or concerning features:
  • Evidence of liver decompensation i.e. jaundice and/or ascites and/or encephalopathy
Category 2 (appointment within 90 calendar days)
  • Abnormal liver function tests +/- Low platelets and/or splenomegaly without concerning features
Category 3 (appointment within 365 calendar days)
  • No category 3 criteria
  • If the patient does not meet the criteria for referral but the referring practitioner believes the patient requires specialist review, a clinical override may be requested:
    • Please explain why (e.g. warning signs or symptoms, clinical modifiers, uncertain about diagnosis, etc.)
  • Please note that your referral may not be accepted or may be redirected to another service.

Essential Referral Information

  • Alcohol and drug history
  • ELFT
  • FBC
  • HBV & HCV serology
  • Upper abdominal Ultrasound report
  • Height, weight and BMI

If a specific test result cannot be obtained due to access, financial, religious, cultural or consent reasons a clinical override may be requested. This reason must be clearly articulated in the body of the referral.

Additional Referral Information

  • Family history of liver disease or blood disorders
  • Medication history including non-prescription medications, herbs, supplements, colloidal silver
  • Recent/past overseas travel
  • Occupational/chemical exposure
  • Record of previous liver function tests
  • Coeliac serology
  • Iron studies
Last updated 16 July 2021

Send Referrals To

Smart Referrals

Preferred Method
About Smart Referrals

Secure Web Transfer

Send to: Gold Coast Health Service District

Internal Referrals

Hepatology (E-Blueslips)

Fax

(07) 5687 4497

Post

Booking and Referral Centre
Gold Coast University Hospital
1 Hospital Boulevard
Southport QLD 4215

Enquiries

1300 559 083

Related HealthPathways

No directly related pathways found

Service Availability

Dr Russell Canavan
Medical Director Hepatology, and Gastroenterology

Facilities

Gold Coast University Hospital

If you would like to send a named referral, please address it to the specialist listed above, who will allocate a suitably qualified specialist to see the patient. Alternatively, you can view a full list of our specialists.

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