Evaluation of infant phototherapy lamps in Iran and comparison of fluorescent lamp with them

Jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia is frequently observed in newborn infants. In most cases a Phototherapy tool is used for treatment. In this way light with wavelengths in the range of 420- 470 nanometers (nm) is used to convert bilirubin so that it can be excreted in the urine and feces. Since high levels of bilirubin can cause deafness and brain damage, it is very important to care it soon, so the used wavelength is important.
50 phototherapy lamps with different brands, but with the same power were considered. By using a spectroradiometer, the spectrums of all lamps were prepared in the same situation. Then the ratio of light intensity in 200-400 nm ultraviolet range (unwanted) to the total intensity (first ratio), and the ratio of light intensity in 420- 474 nm (useful range) to the total intensity (second ratio) were calculated for each lamp, and these ratios were compared.
The amounts of first ratio for 20 % of the lamps are near average values, for 50 % are more than average values, while for 30 % of the lamps fall under average ratio. It is also shown that the amounts of second ratio for 31% of the lamps are near average values, for 22% fall under average and for remaining 47% are more than average value.
Finally it is suggested that when importing phototherapy lamps, it is better to compare the mentioned two ratios with average values to be able to choose justifiable ones.