How to test for neonatal jaundice?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on January 07, 2025
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Neonatal jaundice is relatively common during the newborn period, with about 80% of full-term babies showing visible yellowing of the skin. Typically, jaundice is measured using a jaundice meter, such devices are available in common community hospitals as well as in major hospitals like People's Hospital or maternity and children's health facilities, or other comprehensive hospitals. This is generally done through transcutaneous bilirubin measurement. If the transcutaneous bilirubin levels are high, it is necessary to determine the specific degree of jaundice, at which point a blood test to check liver function is required to assess the bilirubin levels more precisely.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
31sec home-news-image

Does neonatal jaundice recede from the forehead first?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common phenomena in newborns, with about 80% of full-term infants visibly exhibiting jaundice. Typically, the development of jaundice begins in the facial area and gradually extends to the trunk and limbs. Its reduction follows the reverse pattern, generally receding from the limbs to the trunk and then slowly to the facial area. Usually, if the face no longer appears yellow, the jaundice has essentially subsided.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What is considered high for neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is common during the neonatal period and can be divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice does not require intervention or treatment, and the baby's condition is generally okay. For physiological jaundice, the bilirubin level typically does not exceed 6 within the first 24 hours after birth, then not exceeding 9 from 24 to 48 hours, not exceeding 12 from 48 to 72 hours, and not exceeding 15 after 72 hours. If the monitored bilirubin levels exceed these ranges, there may be pathological jaundice, indicating abnormally high levels.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 21sec home-news-image

Causes of recurrent neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom that appears in the normal development process, or it may be a manifestation of certain diseases. Generally, neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Typically, physiological jaundice gradually increases to a certain level and then subsides, and does not recur. If the jaundice recurs, or if it significantly increases after decreasing, or reappears after subsiding, it is definitely pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice has many possible causes, commonly including infections, hemolysis, or other genetic metabolic diseases, or some red blood cell disorders, all of which can affect the recurrence of jaundice. Therefore, if the jaundice recurs, it is advisable to visit a hospital. A neonatologist will conduct relevant examinations based on the baby's condition to confirm if it is pathological jaundice. The cause should be clearly identified for targeted treatment, followed by symptomatic treatment, and timely intervention is necessary.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Which department should a newborn with jaundice go to?

If a newborn has jaundice, it is first necessary to distinguish whether it is physiological jaundice or pathological jaundice. For physiological jaundice, it is self-healing, so there is no need to visit a hospital. As for pathological jaundice, it occurs within 24 hours after birth, or the daily increase in jaundice is particularly large, exceeding the normal range. In such cases, the child should be taken to the hospital for timely medical treatment. Generally, for general hospitals, it is appropriate to visit the pediatric department. If it is a children's hospital or a municipal maternal and child health hospital, then the child should be taken to the neonatology department. Neonatologists will actively treat the child's jaundice and, as a rule, pathological jaundice requires hospitalization.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does neonatal jaundice need medication?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in early newborns. It is a symptom that occurs in the normal development process of newborns, but it may also be a manifestation of certain diseases. Therefore, neonatal jaundice can be a normal phenomenon, but sometimes it may be pathological. Generally, physiological jaundice, which is the normal condition, does not require intervention. Once the jaundice reaches a certain level, it will gradually subside, and the baby generally remains in good condition. At home, it is only necessary to regularly monitor the jaundice without too much worry. If the jaundice appears early and progresses quickly, it may be appropriate to take some medication to reduce the bilirubin. If the jaundice continues to rise, or the baby has other discomforts, it is then necessary to go to the hospital promptly where a neonatologist will conduct relevant examinations and intervene with timely treatment if necessary.