Infant Jaundice

Your baby’s healthcare provider will check for signs of jaundice while you’re still in the hospital. Your baby’s bilirubin level will be highest when they’re three to five days old. It’s important that your baby’s healthcare provider checks them again within this time frame.

Your baby’s healthcare provider can estimate your baby’s bilirubin level by placing a probe on your baby’s head. This test shows the transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level. If this level is high, your baby’s healthcare provider will order a blood test to confirm the results. They’ll prick your baby’s heel to collect a small sample of blood. The blood test shows the total serum bilirubin (TSB) level.

The American Academy of Pediatrics uses a newborn jaundice level chart to determine if a baby needs treatment. The chart is based on your baby’s total serum bilirubin level and age.