What bilirubin level in neonatal jaundice requires blue light therapy?

Generally, for full-term infants without high-risk factors, phototherapy (blue light treatment) is required when the bilirubin level exceeds 6mg/dl within 24 hours after birth, 9mg/dl within 48 hours, and 12.9mg/dl or higher after 72 hours or later. For preterm infants or those with high-risk factors, the thresholds are lower. Seek timely medical attention if any abnormalities occur. Detailed analysis is as follows:

In full-term infants without high-risk factors, phototherapy may be needed when bilirubin levels exceed 6mg/dl within 24 hours after birth, 9mg/dl within 48 hours, and 12.9mg/dl or higher after 72 hours or later. For preterm infants or newborns with high-risk factors such as infection or hemolysis, the threshold for phototherapy is lower, and earlier intervention is required.

If the bilirubin level hasn't reached the above thresholds and the newborn feeds normally, is in good mental condition, and has normal bowel movements, increasing feeding frequency to promote bilirubin excretion and regular monitoring of bilirubin changes are sufficient; immediate phototherapy is unnecessary.

Whether a newborn requires phototherapy should be comprehensively assessed by a physician. Parents should follow medical advice for monitoring and treatment and avoid making independent judgments that could delay timely care.