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Neonatal jaundice — DCH MCQ

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HardNeonatologyNeonatal jaundiceDCH

A 36-hour-old term baby is visibly jaundiced to the chest. He is breastfeeding, has lost 6% birth weight, and transcutaneous bilirubin is above the treatment threshold for age. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: E — Serum bilirubin measured against age in hours

A high transcutaneous bilirubin result needs serum bilirubin confirmation and interpretation against age-specific treatment thresholds. Reassurance or unrelated tests would miss a baby who may need phototherapy. The pearl is that neonatal jaundice decisions depend on age in hours, not simply the visible extent of jaundice.

Reference: NICE CG98