Newborn Jaundice (cont.)

Medical Author:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

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Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

Newborn Jaundice Diagnosis

Before a baby can be treated, the exact cause of an infant's jaundice must be determined. In some cases, a careful examination by a pediatrician is all that is needed. In other cases, blood tests may be required.

• The serum bilirubin level may be checked. Based on this test, the doctor may request that more tests be ordered. Some health care practitioners use a device that measures transcutaneous bilirubin such as the BiliCheck, so there is no need to draw blood.
• A Coombs test checks for antibodies that destroy an infant's red blood cells.
• A complete blood count may be ordered.
• A reticulocyte count is performed to be sure your baby is making enough new red blood cells.
• Certain red blood cell diseases are found in people of Mediterranean descent. In such cases, it may be necessary to check blood samples for a condition known as G6PD deficiency.