Problem being addressed[edit | edit source]
Neonatal jaundice occurs when the blood has excessive levels of bilirubin due to the liver not effectively breaking it down, causing the skin and eyes to turn yellow. Preterm babies are more likely to have this condition since their livers are not fully developed. Jaundice affects ⅔ of newborns around the world and roughly 1/10 of these cases are so severe that it could lead to lifelong disability or death. In the developing world where there is a higher percentage of preterm babies, jaundice kills more than 100,000 infants each year and 6 million babies are unable to get effective treatment for jaundice.
Detailed description of the solution[edit | edit source]
NeoTech Global's BiliSol Phototherapy System uses sunlight to treat jaundice, while offering protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Blue tint is applied to an acrylic sheet to filter sunlight and deliver therapeutic treatment. The filter is attached to an height adjustable stand and mobile base. The system is cost-effective, does not require electricity to operate, and does not need replacement parts.
Designed by[edit | edit source]
- Designed by: NeoTech Global
- Manufacturer (if different):
- Manufacturer location: Raleigh, NC, USA
When and where it was tested/implemented[edit | edit source]
The BiliSol Phototherapy System is currently a functional prototype undergoing testing in Raleigh, NC, USA. The device will be sent to a hospital in Flores, Guatemala for further testing soon.