Phototherapy Calculator

Determine phototherapy and exchange transfusion thresholds based on bilirubin levels, gestational age, and postnatal age.

Disclaimer

This calculator is for clinical decision support only. Based on the NICE Guideline for neonatal jaundice. Always verify with your institutional protocols and the official treatment threshold graphs before initiating treatment. This is critical for patient safety.

Preterm vs Term Thresholds

This calculator uses different formulas for preterm (<38 weeks) and term (≥38 weeks) infants. Preterm thresholds are derived from gestational-age-dependent linear formulas. Term thresholds use a validated hour-by-hour lookup table (0-96 hours).

Input Parameters

Age of Baby (hours)

If >300, will be capped at 300

Gestational Age (weeks)

Bilirubin Unit

Current Bilirubin Level (µmol/L)

Previous Bilirubin Level (µmol/L) (optional, for IVIG assessment)

Hours Between 2 Levels (optional, for rate of rise)

Zone Definitions

H3 (Phototherapy start): TSB above this level indicates need for single phototherapy.

I3 (Double phototherapy): One-third of the way between phototherapy and exchange thresholds.

J3 (Intensive phototherapy): Two-thirds of the way between phototherapy and exchange thresholds.

K3 (Exchange transfusion): TSB above this level indicates exchange transfusion.

Warning zone:TSB within 35 µmol/L below the phototherapy threshold.

References

1. NICE Guideline [CG98]: Neonatal jaundice. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
2. Maisels MJ, et al. Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant ≥35 Weeks Gestation: An Update With Clarifications. Pediatrics. 2009.
3. Bhutani VK, et al. Predictive ability of a predischarge hour-specific serum bilirubin for subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia. Pediatrics. 1999.