Phototherapy ?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Can somebody tell me the correct distance to have the Olympic Bili-lite (the old one on a blue stand with casters) should be from the baby? Our hospital just bought a used one without a manual and there is some major disagreements about the proper distance. I think it's like 18-20 inches but one of our "seasoned" nurses swears it's only like 20cm and has the light practically on top of the crib. I'm afraid she's going to burn the baby this way. Please help if anyone uses this type of light. Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

We put bili babies in an incubator, and have that blue light right up against the plexi-glass. You should have a gadget that measures the amount of light the baby is getting that you put next to the baby's skin-if that is giving you the right number, that's close enough.

Are you putting in over an open crib? That's not too good, imo. It could fall on the baby, and I agree it could get too hot.

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Yes the baby is in an open crib and she has the light practically resting on the top of the crib. I do think we have a meter just haven't ever messed with it because I've never needed to with these lights. What's the recommended reading with the bili-meter to be in the right range?

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

http://www.natus.com/index.cfm?page=products_1&crid=103&contentid=195

That's the link to the Natus site--you can email them. I think the reading needs to be over 20. If you have a Policy/proceedure, dig it out, it might tell you more. Since this is a new piece of equipment for you, it may have to be revised.

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Specializes in OB L&D Mother/Baby.

We have had this come up several times on our unit. We have a new bed BUT we also have these old beds that we use if we have several kids under lights. Our protocol states (the same as the manual) 18 inches BUT our one pedi throws a fit if it's not super close. He basically says that it just doesn't work as well... Again it's been brought up a lot, our protocol has not changed and his opinion hasn't either.

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We always put the baby in an incubator as they are naked under the lights, and an open crib would be too cold. I think 18 inches is correct.

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