Phototherapy uses fluorescent lights, sometimes called bili lights, to reduce the levels of bilirubin in an infant's body. Bilirubin is the yellow pigment in the blood that develops when old blood cells break down, states University of Maryland Medical Center. The increased bilirubin turns the skin and whites of the eyes yellow. The phototherapy lights give off specific wavelengths of light that break down bilirubin, so it can be carried out of the body. This procedure can sometimes be done at home when a nurse can visit to take a blood sample in order to monitor bilirubin levels.
Step 1
Strip the infant down to a diaper.
Step 2
Cover the infant's eyes with soft eye patches approved for use by the hospital to protect her from the bright lights.
Step 3
Place the infant on a stable surface where the light box can be placed close to her, but far enough away so that there is no risk of her touching or disturbing it.
Step 4
Cover the infant with the bili blanket, or fiber optic pad, so that the lighted section is against the skin. Secure the blanket with the adhesive strips found on the underside. It should be tight enough so that only one finger can fit between the blanket and the baby's skin.
Step 5
Turn the light source box on after plugging it in, and turn it to the setting prescribed by the doctor, typically the higher setting.
Step 6
Swaddle the baby with a light blanket or sleeper when necessary.
Step 7
Monitor the baby frequently, but don't interrupt therapy unless feeding, bathing or a diaper change is necessary. The baby can be disturbed every two hours to reposition the bili blanket and to check the skin for signs of infection or problems. Every fourth hour, the baby's temperature should be taken, usually rectally, and recorded for the health care provider.
Step 8
Continue phototherapy as many hours per day as directed, which is usually continued until jaundice subsides. The health care provider will likely want to see the infant regularly despite treatment and the visiting nurse.
Step 9
Keep accurate logs, as indicated by a doctor. This includes taking the baby's temperature, skin changes, documenting feeding times and amounts, and the number of wet and soiled diapers.
Things You'll Need
- Eye patches
- Light box
- Hard surface
- Bili blanket
- Swaddling blanket or light sleeper
- Thermometer
- Log for documenting infant's progress and diapers
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