Irradiance levels of phototherapy devices fabricated in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Phototherapy (PT) remains difficult to deliver in many resource- constrained countries, including Nigeria due to the unavailability of devices that can deliver intensive PT (irradiance ≥30 µW/cm2 / nm) needed to treat the more severe cases of hyperbilirubinaemia. The basic equipment is expensive and replacement parts are often not available. Objective: To compare the blue light irradiance of four locally designed and fabricated PT devices with a proprietary device. Materials and Methods: Four types of intensive PT devices were locally fabricated. Irradiance was measured using an Olympic Medical Bili-Meter. The mean irradiance of triplicate measurements at three positions in the light footprint of each device was determine that distances of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60cm from light source to meter sensor. Results: The irradiance of the fabricated devices (F1-4) and commercial device (C) measured at the most common clinically-used distance of 30 cm for intensive PT were 29.5 ±6.3, 30.3 ±5.3, 25.8 ±5.0,49.0 ±10.5 and 39.2 ± 13.6µW/cm2 /nm respectively with corresponding maximum central irradiance of 36.4, 32.1, 31.2,59.5 and 54.5 µW/cm2 /nm. At a distance of 25cm, all devices delivered irradiance ≥ 30µW/cm2 /nm. The cost of each local device was less than 12% of the commercial one. Conclusions: Locally fabricated devices cost much less and were suitable for delivery of intensive phototherapy (≥30 µW/cm2 /nm) at a distance of 25cm.

Keywords

• affordable
• phototherapy
• devices
• irradiance
• neonatal jaundice