Question
On the ninth day after birth, the baby’s face and eyes show yellowing, and no medication has been administered. The parents are of O-type blood, and the baby has B-type blood with the father. In this situation, how should one self-check if the newborn has jaundice?
Answer
When self-checking for neonatal jaundice, the key indicator is bilirubin testing. Serum bilirubin (tsb) can be measured through venipuncture or micro-blood sampling. In addition, routine checks for neonatal jaundice include blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid culture, serum specific antibodies, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. These tests help screen for neonatal hemolytic disease and can further evaluate auditory and visual functions through electrophysiological tests. If the baby shows signs of jaundice, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for professional examination and diagnosis.