WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “CONVENTIONAL” AND “INTENSIVE” PHOTOTHERAPY?
“Intensive phototherapy” means the irradiance of the light is at least 30µW/cm2 per nm as measured at the baby’s skin below the center of the phototherapy lamp. A hand-held radiometer can be used to measure the spectral irradiance emitted by the light. Because measurements taken directly under the lights will be higher, measurements should ideally be made at several locations and averaged. The appropriate radiometer will vary based on the phototherapy system used, so manufacturer recommendations should be followed. With “Conventional phototherapy” the irradiance of the light is less, but actual numbers vary significantly between different manufacturers. In general, it is not necessary to rountinely measure irradiance when administering phototherapy, but units should be checked periodically to ensure that the lamps are providing adequate irradiance, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
