3 November, 2009
Philips Introduces New BiliChek to Assess Risk for Leading Cause of Jaundice in Newborns
MURRYSVILLE, Pa., USA – Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEZ: PHI) today announced the launch of its updated, feature-enhanced bilirubin assessment tool called BiliChek. BiliChek is a noninvasive, transcutaneous assessment device that can quickly determine a neonate’s risk for hyperbilirubinemia, store the results, and then forward them to a hospital’s electronic information system to automate patient charting.
Resulting in the yellowing of the skin known as jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigmented chemical released from the breakdown of red blood cells. Currently, about 60 percent of full-term infants and more than 80% of preterm babies become clinically jaundiced in the first week of life. It is the single most common medical condition affecting newborns and the number one cause of newborn hospital readmissions.
Bilirubin levels are often determined by a blood test, which incurs added time and costs associated with transport and laboratory services. Instead of a needle, BiliChek uses advanced light technology to instantly and accurately assess the risk of an infant for hyperbilirubinemia. Resting lightly on a baby’s head or sternum, only a disposable plastic tip touches the baby, reducing the risk of infection or possible cross contamination.
The new BiliChek incorporates an expanded set of features that allow even a first-time user to take high-quality measurements. New features include menu-driven instructions that walk a new or inexperienced user through the measurement process, a new ergonomic design that improves user dexterity, and a barcode scanner that allows accurate verification of patient identification. The new BiliChek also provides the ability to verify, store and track patient information related to bilirubin through a hospital’s electronic medical records system to automate patient charting.
"The new BiliChek can provide a more efficient assessment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia," said Bill Thompson, vice president and general manager for Philips Children’s Medical Ventures. "The ability to instantly and noninvasively measure accurate bilirubin levels and then have that data feed directly to the patient record can help save time for both diagnosis and discharge."
BiliChek is part of the Jaundice management line of products from Philips Children’s Medical Ventures that also includes the BiliTx phototherapy system and WeeSpecs phototherapy masks.
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BiliChek, BiliTx and WeeSpecs are trademarks of Respironics, Inc., and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Steve Kelly, Director, Public Relations
Tel: +1 425-487-7479
E-mail: steve.kelly@philips.com
Ian Race, Senior Manager, Public Relations
Tel: +1 978-659-4624
E-mail: ian.race@philips.com
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of $38 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/media.
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