Irradiance levels of phototherapy devices: a national study in Dutch neonatal intensive care units

Objective:the objective of this study is to determine whether irradiance levels of phototherapy (pt) devices in dutch neonatal intensive care units (nicus) increased between 2008 and 2013.study design:irradiance of all types of pt devices, used in combination with incubators, was measured with a dale 40 radiometer (fluke biomedical, everett, wa, usa) in all 10 dutch nicus.results:irradiance increased in seven nicus. median (range) irradiance increased from 9.7 (4.3–32.6) to 16.4 (6.8–41) μw cm−2 nm−1 for 24 overhead devices (p=0.004) and from 6.8 (0.8–15.6) to 22.3 (1.1–36.3) μw cm−2 nm−1 for 12 underneath devices (p=0.014). five light-emitting diode (led)-based devices were used in 2013 and one in 2008. the mean distance between overhead pt device and infant decreased by ~9 cm (p<0.001). significantly more devices delivered minimal (10 μw cm−2 nm−1) recommended irradiance levels (80 vs ~45%; p=0.002).conclusion:irradiance of pt devices still varies, but has markedly improved since 2008 due to shorter distances between pt device and infant, and introduction of better performing led-based devices.