ORLANDO -- GE Healthcare released today the BiliSoft LED Phototherapy System, a revolutionary blue LED and fiber optic based technology for the treatment of indirect hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice in newborns. This innovative product responds to clinical guidelines at the same time it promotes the natural developmental care of newborns. BiliSoft delivers phototherapy anywhere - in the Neonatal ICU, Pediatrics, Well Baby Nursery or at home. BiliSoft can be used in any environment -- in a radiant warmer, incubator, bassinet, crib, or in a caregiver's arms. This new technology was showcased at the Association for Women's Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., June 24-26.

Designed with the feedback of neonatal nurses around the globe, BiliSoft provides distinct improvements over existing technologies. BiliSoft utilizes six blue LEDs with a "soft" large light pad, in two sizes, for use with premature infants or full-term babies. BiliSoft meets the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines on Jaundice Management in terms of irradiance levels and a narrow bandwidth of 430-490 nm to match bilirubin response curve. With a larger surface area, and more intensive light, BiliSoft also creates the opportunity for developmental positioning or swaddling of infants during treatment.

A new soft, flexible fiber optic light pad allows the swaddling, or wrapping, of full-term babies to further enable feeding and holding during jaundice treatment. BiliSoft operates quietly, contributing to a soothing, comfortable environment forthe newborn wherever it's needed- in the hospital or at home.

"GE Healthcare designed the BiliSoft with both the newborn and caregiver in mind," said Mike Genau, general manager of GE Healthcare's Maternal and Infant Care business. "Our goal is to provide maximum efficiency in intensive phototherapy, while also allowing for positioning, swaddling and other direct contact with the baby. Enabling the continuation of developmental care was an important consideration for GE in the design of the BiliSoft."

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