Purpose

The following policy/recommended best practice outlines the use of phototherapy lights and the Ohmeda Biliblanket to ensure the best outcomes for babies in the Newborn Service.

Scope

Applies to all Nurses who work in Newborn Services

Associated Documents

Operating manuals for:

Medela Phototherapy Lamp (Instructions for Use)
Minolta/Airshields Fluoro-Lite Meter (Model 451)
Biliblanket Plus Phototherapy System (Operation, Maintenance and Service Manual)

Medela Phototherapy Lamp

Follow the steps below to ensure that phototherapy is delivered safely

Step	Action
1	Position phototherapy unit 25-30cm from baby in a cot or 5cm above the top of the incubator.
2	Baby is nursed naked.
3	Use appropriate eye shields (size and type) to protect the eyes. Baby shades (small) Baby shades (large) - used hydragel adhesive to position on baby Eye Max (term infants)
4	Use the phototherapy lite meter to check the unit’s light output each duty. Output should be over 10mcw/nm/cm² on all body surfaces.
5	To avoid the possibility of burns do not use baby lotions or creams on baby’s skin.
6	Phototherapy lamps act as a source of radiant heat. Monitor the baby's temperature closely when commencing phototherapy and adjust incubator temperature as required to avoid overheating.

Ohmeda Biliblanket

Follow the steps below for using the biliblanket.
Use in conjunction with Medela Phototherapy lamp when SBR level high/rising.

Step	Action
1	Insert the fibreoptic pad into, disposable cover. Secure the cover around the protruding cable with the self-adhesive tabs. Do not use without disposable cover.
2	Set the brightness selector switch to high.
3	Place covered pad directly under baby with the white illuminating side facing up.
4	Use appropriate sized eye shields to protect eyes.
5	Ensure the air circulation vents on the top and bottom of the illuminator are unobstructed at all times and that the blocked air circulation indicator is not on

Minolta/Airshields Fluoro-Lite Meter 451

Follow the steps below.

Step	Action
1	Place cap firmly over the receptor head dome.
2	Set the on/off switch to on. The letters ‘Cal’ should appear in the display window.
3	The ‘Cal’ display will be followed by a zero level display. This indicates that the meter is calibrated. If the display window is blank, or three decimal points (…) appear, this indicates a weak battery.
4	Hold receptor level with the upper surface of baby. Read the digits displayed. If <10mcw/nm/cm² remove the phototherapy unit and send to electronics for evaluation
5	If no measurement is recording, press the hold/run measuring switch. This will allow the measurement to be displayed

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