Uneven distribution of light in standard phototherapy.
Maldistribution of light is a potential cause of phototherapy failure in the neonate. Differences in light intensity over the surface can be measured with a radiometer as this detects the radiant energy impinging on the incubator mattress. An infant nursed on the front third of the mattress receives less than 40% of the maximal light incident on the centre of the mattress, and consequently degradation of unconjugated bilirubin will be less effective.
D006801:Humans; D007185:Incubators; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000628:therapy*; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000295:instrumentation