NEWBORN JAUNDICE SCREENING PROGRAM

Welcome to the Newborn Jaundice Screening Program

Alberta Health Services (Calgary Region), in collaboration with Calgary Laboratory Services and the Division of Community Paediatrics, is the first place we know of to introduce a comprehensive newborn transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) monitoring program which involves Acute Care sites as well as Public Health. The newborn is tested with the Transcutaneous Jaundice Meter (TJM) while in hospital as well as by the public health nurse in the community. This program is designed to identify, manage and ensure early treatment of significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and began operating on June 4, 2007 in Calgary urban.

The program involves nurses using a device called a Transcutaneous Jaundice Meter which uses light to determine if the baby is jaundiced. This device safely and accurately measures the yellowness of the skin and subcutaneous tissue at the baby’s forehead. The procedure is quick and painless.

The newborn children in Calgary urban will benefit enormously from the safety, comfort and convenience this program offers.

Please e-mail your comments or questions to Donna.Allegro@CalgaryHealthRegion.ca.

Page last updated on: May 10, 2010




About AHS \| Services \| Public Health \| e-Health Info \| Jobs \| Future Growth \| News & Media