At what bilirubin level should I consider phototherapy for a neonate with jaundice?

Phototherapy should be considered in babies with a serum bilirubin level that exceeds the management thresholds specified in the threshold table and treatment threshold graphs for their age and condition ¹.

Specifically, in babies who are 38 weeks or more gestational age and more than 24 hours old, phototherapy is indicated when bilirubin levels are above the thresholds outlined in the management thresholds table, which vary by age in hours ¹.

For example, at 24 hours, phototherapy is recommended if bilirubin exceeds 200 micromol/litre, and at 48 hours, if it exceeds 250 micromol/litre, among other thresholds ¹.

Key References

• CG98 - Jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days