Researchers found an effective way of detecting jaundice in newborns using a smartphone app

• A smartphone app that can identify jaundice in newborn babies by scanning their eyes.
• The neoSCB is jointly developed by researchers at University College London and the University of Ghana.
• This technology can act as a pillar for the health care system in countries with low-income.

A joint study was conducted by researchers from the University College London (UCL) and the University of Ghana to develop an app that can identify jaundice in newborn babies by scanning their eyes.

The app called neoSCB is developed in a collaboration between UCL engineers and clinicians of the University of Ghana. It was used on more than 300 newborn babies in Ghana, following the initial study on 37 newborn babies in 2020.

The neoSCB app analyses the images taken from smartphones to identify the yellowness in the sclera or white part of the eye to find the sign of neonatal jaundice. Direct analysis from eyesight is unreliable but the use of the neoSCB app gives an early diagnosis of jaundice in newborn.

To determine the potential of the neoSCB app, the study was conducted to compare conventional screening methods and the neoSCB app technology. As per the study, app detected 74 out of 76 jaundice cases in newborns whereas a common screening method that involves the use of non-invasive device- transcutaneous bilirubinometer identifies all 76 babies with jaundice cases.

The study states that neoSCBapp is in the line of accuracy when compared to common screening methods.

The conventional method of testing jaundice involves the use of a transcutaneous bilirubinometer which detects the yellow pigment to measure the jaundice level in infants. Then further results are followed up by blood tests that are costly.

Dr Terence Leung, UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering developed the technology behind this neoSCB app, Leung said, app only requires a smartphone which cost lesser than a commercial device. According to Leung, if neoSCB is rolled out widely then this technology can save the lives of newborn babies. Also, the app will act as a game-changer for hospitals that lacks expensive screening devices.

Study lead, Dr Christabel Enweronu-Laryea from University of Ghana Medical School said, “neoSCB method was acceptable to mothers” as mothers were easily capable of keeping the baby’s eye open for jaundice test while breastfeeding.

Impact of jaundice in infants
Every year jaundice leads to the death of 114,000 newborns and 178,000 cases of disabilities in babies. Countries with higher income are able to reduce the risks of jaundice by conventional screening methods but low and middle-income countries are the most affected as they can’t afford expensive screening devices.

The commercial device used for screening jaundice costs around 4000 Euros and further blood tests requires more expenses. The technology used in neoSCB has the potential to prevent death and disability caused by jaundice as it costs less than a tenth of the commercial device and it can be made easily available in poor countries. Also, it can support the health care system of countries with low income such as Africa.

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