Neonatal jaundice laboratory findings
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]
Overview
An elevated concentration of serum bilirubin in neonates in the first 24 hours of life is diagnostic of neonatal jaundice. Transcutaneous bilirubin level measurement can be diagnostic in cases of mild jaundice. Other laboratory tests that can be performed include blood typing and Rh antibodies determination, liver function tests, direct Coombs test, serum albumin level, and reticulocyte count.
Laboratory Findings
- An elevated concentration of serum bilirubin is diagnostic of neonatal jaundice.
- Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of neonatal jaudice include:[1][2]
- Increase of the total bilirubin level more than 5 mg/dl.
- Increase of the conjugated bilirubin level more than 2 mg/dl.
- Transcutaneous bilirubin level measurment can be diagnostic in cases of mild jaundice.
- Other laboratory tests recommended in cases of neonatal jaundice include the following:[1]
- Blood type and Rh antibodies determination in mother and infant
- Direct Coombs test
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit values
- Serum albumin level
- Liver function tests
- Peripheral blood film for erythrocyte morphology
- Reticulocyte count
- Tests for viral and/or parasitic infection
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Hyperbilirubinemia (2004). “Management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation”. Pediatrics. 114 (1): 297–316. PMID 15231951.
- ↑ Bhutani VK, Johnson L, Sivieri EM (1999). “Predictive ability of a predischarge hour-specific serum bilirubin for subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia in healthy term and near-term newborns”. Pediatrics. 103 (1): 6–14. PMID 9917432.
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