BiliNEST
Research type
Research Study
Full title
BiliNEST: Bilirubin assessment in Neonates of Every Skin Tone, a prospective observational study
IRAS ID
339043
Contact name
Sasha Howard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Jaundice - a condition causing yellowing of skin, eyes, and/or gums - commonly affects newborns in the first weeks of life. Timely recognition and treatment of severe jaundice is key to avoid serious consequences including permanent brain damage (‘kernicterus’).
A 2023 NHS Race and Health Observatory report highlighted that the current ways we assess jaundice may not be adequate for all babies, in part because skin changes in jaundice are less visible in babies with darker skin. In the UK and Ireland, babies of non-white ethnic groups are at higher risk of severe jaundice and its consequences.
We therefore need to improve the way we work to deliver better care to babies of all skin tones. The BiliNEST study will recruit babies from postnatal areas in 26 London hospitals to better understand the level at which jaundice is detectable in babies of different skin tones. We will assess the use of the main non-invasive screening tool for jaundice: the transcutaneous bilirubinometer (TcB) - a handheld device that can measure the level of jaundice without needing to perform a blood test.
This study is observational, meaning that all recruited babies will receive unchanged routine clinical care, plus a one-off visit from our research team. Participants will need to be over 34 weeks gestation, receiving inpatient postnatal care, undergoing their first assessment for jaundice, and not have been readmitted from the community.
Finally, we will bring together opinions and experiences from parents and carers regarding their understanding of jaundice, and how they think skin tone and/or ethnicity might impact how jaundice is recognised.
This study is funded by a Research Seed Grant from Barts Charity. We will share results widely with healthcare professionals as well as the public, aiming to benefit families by improving our approach to jaundice detection in babies of all skin tones.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1343
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion