Jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days

Quality statements

Statement 1 Parents or carers of newborn babies have a discussion with healthcare professionals and are given written information about neonatal jaundice within 24 hours of the birth, including what to look for and who to contact if they are concerned.

Statement 2 Babies with suspected jaundice who are more than 24 hours old have their bilirubin level measured within 6 hours of a healthcare professional suspecting jaundice or a parent or carer reporting possible jaundice.

Statement 3 Babies with hyperbilirubinaemia are started on treatment in accordance with standardised threshold tables or charts.

Note that there is variability between assays from different manufacturers in reported bilirubin measurement. Healthcare professionals should consult their local pathology laboratory when interpreting threshold tables or charts.