When should newborns be tested for jaundice?
Disease description:
My baby spit up milk today and has a yellowish skin tone. I think he might have jaundice. I'd like to get him tested—when should newborns be screened for jaundice?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xie Zixing
The timing for measuring jaundice in newborns is not fixed; jaundice can be measured 3 to 4 days after birth, or again between 7 to 10 days. Typically, jaundice can be measured promptly once it appears. Transcutaneous measurement is an option, which causes less discomfort and allows monitoring of the bilirubin trend over time. If jaundice occurs, it is recommended to expose the baby to sunlight more often to help reduce the jaundice.
