How to Check Jaundice in Babies
To diagnose jaundice in newborns, healthcare providers typically perform the following steps:
- Visual examination: A visual examination looks for signs of jaundice including checking the yellowness in the whites of the eyes, gums, and the color of urine or stool. The baby needs to be undressed so that the skin can be examined under good lighting conditions, preferably natural light.
- Bilirubin test: If jaundice is suspected, the level of bilirubin in the blood needs to be tested. This can be done using a bilirubinometer, which shines light on the baby's skin to calculate the level of bilirubin, or through a blood test by pricking the baby's heel to measure bilirubin levels in the blood serum.
- Further tests: Additional blood tests may be necessary if jaundice persists beyond two weeks or if treatment is required. These tests help determine the baby's blood group, presence of antibodies on red blood cells, infection, enzyme deficiencies, or other underlying causes for elevated bilirubin levels.
It's crucial to seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of jaundice in your newborn, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual drowsiness, feeding difficulties, or any other concerning signs.
Watch our next video to know about “Blood Group Relation with Jaundice in Newborns!”
Source1:-Newborn jaundice. (n.d.). Newborn jaundice. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/newborn-jaundice
Source2:-Newborn jaundice - Diagnosis. (n.d.). Newborn jaundice - Diagnosis. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/diagnosis/
Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.
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