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

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025Updated: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

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 .

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 .

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 .

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