Testing for newborn jaundice

 
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Diagnosis

 

Before leaving the hospital with your newborn, can  ask the doctor or nurse about a jaundice bilirubin test.

A  doctor or nurse may check the baby’s bilirubin using a light meter that is  placed on the baby’s head. This results in a transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level. If it is high, a blood test will likely  be ordered.

The  best way to accurately measure bilirubin is with a small blood sample from the  baby’s heel. This results in a total serum bilirubin (TSB) level. If the level is high, based upon the  baby’s age in hours and other risk factors, treatment will likely follow. Repeat blood samples will also likely be taken to ensure that the TSB decreases  with the prescribed treatment.

Bilirubin levels are usually the highest when the baby is 3 to 5 days old. At a minimum,  babies should be checked for jaundice every 8 to 12 hours in the first 48 hours  of life and again before 5 days of age.

For more information about newborn jaundice testing and treatment, please see the Center for Disease Control’s jaundice and kernicterus web site.

 

 

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