CE Portable Paediatric Medical Jaundice Phototherapy Lamps

Bilirubin Test

A bilirubin test measures the levels of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin (bil-ih-ROO-bin) is a yellowish pigment that is made during the breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver and is eventually excreted out of the body.

Higher than usual levels of bilirubin may indicate different types of liver or bile duct problems. Sometimes, higher bilirubin levels may be caused by an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells.

What you can expect

Bilirubin testing is done using a blood sample. Usually, the blood is drawn through a small needle inserted into a vein in the bend of your arm. A small tube is attached to the needle to collect the blood.

You may feel a quick pain as the needle is inserted into your arm. You also may experience some short-term discomfort at the site after the needle is removed. Blood for bilirubin testing in Newborns is usually collected using a sharp lancet to break the skin of the heel. This is known as a heel stick. There may be slight bruising at the puncture site afterward.

Your blood will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You can usually return to normal activities immediately.

www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bilirubin/about/pac-20393041#:~:text=Higher%20than%20usual%20levels%20of,destruction%20of%20red%20blood%20cells.

How common is new-born jaundice?

Jaundice is one of the most common conditions that can affect new-born babies.

It’s estimated 6 out of every 10 babies develop jaundice, including 8 out of 10 babies born prematurely before the 37th week of pregnancy.

But only around 1 in 20 babies has a blood bilirubin level high enough to need treatment.

For reasons that are unclear, breastfeeding increases a baby’s risk of developing jaundice, which can often persist for a month or longer. 

But in most cases, the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any risks associated with jaundice.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/#:~:text=Jaundice%20is%20one%20of%20the,high%20enough%20to%20need%20treatment.

For more information, contact us 01274 965089 or check out our website at www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk / www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/niche-nhs

Further clinical information can be found on our blog page: www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/category/niche-healthcare-news

For products not found on our online website, please view our Healthcare catalogues: www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/healthcare-catalogues

View our Healthcare YouTube videos Playlist

If you have any additional questions, drop us an email at info@nicheofficesolutions.co.uk