Is a bilirubin level of 13 in newborn jaundice normal?
Disease description:
My son was born just two days ago, and his skin has turned yellow. I had his jaundice level tested today, and the doctor said it was 13. Is a bilirubin level of 13 normal for a newborn?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ma Yan
A bilirubin level of 13 in neonatal jaundice is usually considered abnormal if it occurs within 24 hours after birth, possibly indicating pathological jaundice. In such cases, conservative treatment or phototherapy with blue light may be required. However, if the bilirubin level reaches 13 more than 48 hours after birth, it is typically normal and likely physiological. In this situation, exposing the infant to sunlight can help promote the resolution of jaundice.
