Bili Blanket
When newborns with hyperbilirubinemia receive phototherapy that includes the use of the bilirubin or bili blanket as a light source, it’s important to place the bilirubin blanket face up. If the bili blanket is placed incorrectly, the primary light source is not close enough to the infant’s skin and bilirubin levels will not decrease as expected. In addition to high bilirubin levels, associated outcomes of incorrect placement include poor feeding, difficulty waking, seizure, and brain damage.
Use the error prevention technique STAR to do a self-check to ensure the following steps are taken when placing a bili blanket:
- Verify the bili blanket is face up every time you assess and interact with the infant.
- Check the irradiation level with the “bili meter” at the beginning of the shift.
- Teach parents and caregivers of infants by demonstrating the proper way to lay the infant on the correct side of the blanket.
Access the Safety Alert document to print and post. For questions about this Safety Alert, please contact Anne-Marie Savage, RN, at Annemarie.savage@imail.org. Join the Safety Culture Yammer conversation.