The most important component of the workup is differention of direct vs indirect bilirubinemia
Total and direct bilirubin levels ("neonatal bilirubin")
CBC (for evaluation of hemolytic anemia or polycythemia vera)
Consider coombs or T&S (mom & baby)
Mother's blood type (important if mother is RH negative or O blood type)
Assess for any signs of decreasing oral intake or signs of dehydration?
Baby's general appearance (well appearing? evidence of sepsis?)
See table below
Examples:
See table below
BiliTool
phototherapy guide
See table below
BiliTool
phototherapy guide
Breast milk jaundice
More common causes are listed first, followed by less common causes
Breast feeding jaundice
Neonatal jaundice
Due to substances in milk that inhibits glucuronyl transferase. It may start as early as 3rd day and reaches peak by 3rd week of life. It is unlikely to cause kernicterus
Biliary atresia
Neonatal hypoglycemia
Patient does not receive adequate oral intake which then causes reduced bowel movement/bilirubin excretion. Best diagnosed by looking for signs of dehydration and comparing weight to birth weight.