Monthly Health Articles Archive

New machine to make newborn testing easier

When a newborn enters the world, one of the many tests it must endure is a bilirubin check. This test measures the liver function and the progress of jaundice. In their first few days of life, it isn’t unusual for babies to experience high bilirubin levels. Many people have probably seen a newborn baby that appears to have a yellow or orange look to their skin. This is an indication of jaundice and high levels of bilirubin. Pre-term babies have a greater chance of experiencing this, but a significant number of full term babies also have this occur.

This situation typically resolves itself within a few days, but in some instances the baby’s red blood cells may have been destroyed because the baby and mother’s blood are incompatible. This is called hemolytic disease, and happens when the mother’s blood is Rh negative and the baby’s blood is Rh positive. Her body creates antibodies to fight her infant’s red blood cells, and they are destroyed.

High levels of bilirubin can be especially dangerous for new babies. It can have a negative effect on developing brain cells and may cause mental retardation, physical abnormalities or blindness. Once the high level is determined, treatments can be given to the newborn to bring it back down.

The bilirubin testing process is improving at Kossuth Regional Health Center. The KRHC Auxiliary donated the funds from its annual Tag Day event towards the purchase of a machine called the BiliChek. This piece of equipment will allow the KRHC medical staff to test bilirubin levels in a painless and effective manner. In the past a blood sample was drawn, then taken to the lab for analysis. The new machine doesn’t require a blood sample and can provide immediate results. The handheld machine rests lightly on the baby’s head or sternum and is completely noninvasive. The BiliChek can be used on anyone regardless of size, age or gender.

KRHC is looking forward to putting this machine to use with its littlest patients. For more information on bilirubin levels or other newborn tests, please contact Kossuth Regional Health Center at 515.295.2451.