Home Health Care Phototherapy Services
Phototherapy at Home
Phototherapy was discovered by chance when a nurse in a hospital nursery noticed that the infants placed closer to the windows were less "yellow" than those who were not. This observation led to the application of phototherapy in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinimia (newborn jaundice).
Newborn Jaundice
The build up of bilirubin in the blood is called hyperbilirubinimia, or newborn jaundice. Because bilirubin has a pigment, or coloring, it causes a yellowing of the baby's skin and tissues. Fortunately, detecting hyperbilirubinimia is fairly easy, and can be confirmed with a simple blood test. It can then be treated with phototherapy.
Phototherapy Treatment for Hyperbilirubinimia (Newborn Jaundice)
Once a physician determines the need for phototherapy, the Home Care staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center can treat hyperbilirubinimia (newborn jaundice) in the comfort of your own home. The normal course for phototherapy is usually less than one week
You will be using a portable phototherapy device known as a biliblanket. It is a halogen light source directed into a fiber optic blanket which delivers the necessary wavelengths of light to your baby safely and efficiently. The "blanket" allows you and your baby to bond more easily than receiving treatment in the hospital setting.
Our pediatric nurse specialist will make daily visits to assess your baby's progress. The nurse will complete a newborn assessment, take blood samples to measure bilirubin levels and monitor the safe and effective use of the biliblanket. The nurse will also record the baby's temperature, stool and urine, as it is important for your baby to have adequate nutrition and hydration.
Contact Us
If you would like additional information about phototherapy at home, please call us at 513-636-4663 (HOME).
