NeoSCB App for Screening Jaundice in Newborns

Jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies, where their skin and the whites of their eyes can look a bit yellow. This happens because of a substance called bilirubin that builds up in their blood. Most of the time, jaundice is harmless and goes away on its own. However, in some cases, if bilirubin levels get too high and are not treated, it can lead to serious health problems, though this is rare.

Currently, doctors often check for jaundice by looking at the baby. If they think the baby might have significant jaundice, they usually send them for a blood test at the hospital to measure the bilirubin level accurately. The problem is that judging jaundice by eye isn't always very precise. This can sometimes lead to babies being sent for blood tests they don't really need, causing stress for parents and extra work for hospitals.

This study is looking at a new smartphone app called 'neoSCB' that aims to make checking for jaundice much more accurate and easier. The app works by taking a picture of the white part of a baby's eye, called the sclera. It then uses a special programme to figure out how yellow the eye is. This study will involve 405 newborn babies and will test an improved version of the app to see how well it works. Researchers will also compare the app's accuracy to other devices currently used, to check if it's as good but at a much lower cost. They also plan to make the app even easier to use and add new features based on feedback from parents and healthcare staff. The ultimate goal is to provide a quick, simple, and affordable way to identify babies who truly need further checks or treatment for jaundice, helping to keep them safe and healthy.