TechBme

  S.C. Nwaneri, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail : snwaneri@unilag.edu.ng Phototherapy machine is generally used to treat jaundice in newborns. Jaundice is caused by a high level of bilirubin (Hyperbilirubinemia) in the blood that makes the skin look yellowish. This is usually a common problem in newborns[1].   In many developing countries, neonatal jaundice remains a significant and challenging problem in newborns. If this condition is not properly treated, it could lead to brain damage.  To use a phototherapy unit, the light from the unit is used to irradiate the baby making use of  the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum, usually in the range of 420-500 nm. When the light hits the baby's skin, the light oxidizes the bilirubin in the blood leading to the production of compounds that are removed as wastes from the body [2]. The lights are placed at specific distance above the infant usually 30 cm - 40cm.   Early phototherapy units