Lightening the load

An analysis of the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) data highlighted that the most commonly reported reasons for admission of a neonate to a neonatal unit or paediatric ward were poor feeding, weight loss and jaundice (NHS Improvement, 2017). The gold standard measurement of bilirubin levels is total serum bilirubin (TSB) concentration obtained through blood sampling using invasive techniques (Bosschaart et al, 2012). Results are plotted on an SBR chart for interpretation and as part of standard documentation. Since implementation, the need for invasive blood sampling has reduced noticeably, but it is still required if there's a high or borderline TCB reading.