bilirubin levels for new born baby

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Specializes in Grad 2010.

Hello:

I'm going to be doing a rotation in labour and delivery and have not been able to find the answer to this question.. Is there a chart that anyone knows of that shows the levels of bilirubin a new born baby should have? What levels are considered to be jandice levels... Thanks for all the help. As well if any male nurses have any tips for me as a guy working on labour and delivery that would be great as well.. Really looking foward to the experience..

Thanks

Terry.

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Specializes in AGNP.

I just finished our L&D rotation. We did transcutaneous bilirubin readings after 24 hours. At 24 hours it should be less than 5.2 mg/dL and 48 hours less than 9.3 mg/dL. If the readings were higher than that then a serum bili was ordered.

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Specializes in Grad 2010.

Hello

thanks for that! So when you say transcutaneous, do you mean the test on the forehead of the baby?

Terry.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Acceptable bilirubin levels for newborns vary based on a number of factors such as gestational age, birth weight, age of the infant (in hours or days), breast feeding or bottle feeding status, ABO and/or Rh incompatibility, etc.

A bilirubin level of 10 on the first day of life would warrant treatment for any baby, while a level of 10 on the 3rd or 4th day probably would not, unless the baby was premature.

Google "phototherapy chart" for published studies that outline treatment guidelines for newborn jaundice. I believe you can find this information in the Harriet Lane Handbook, and most medical pediatric texts as well.

Enjoy your rotation!

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