Novation Awards Children's Medical Ventures Single-Source Supplier Agreement For BiliChek Transcutaneous Bilirubin Analyzer, WeeSpecs Infant Phototherapy Mask

Murrysville, PA - Respironics announced that their Children's Medical Ventures business unit was awarded a three-year supplier agreement with Novation for the BiliChek Transcutaneous Bilirubin Analyzer, the Wallaby 3 Infant Phototherapy System, and the WeeSpecs Infant Phototherapy Mask. Novation supplies products to more than 2,400 member hospitals through Voluntary Hospitals of America (VHA), Inc. and the University Health System Consortium (UHC).

The single-source supply award for the BiliChek analyzer was a result of a comprehensive, clinical and economic analysis completed by Novation's clinical advisory board and business managers. After a thorough review of all of the evidence-based research and other supporting data, the committees concluded that the BiliChek, which diagnoses and monitors neonatal hyperbilirubinemia—or jaundice—by shining light on a baby's forehead, would provide their members optimal performance in diagnosing and managing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Monica Cabra, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, is pleased that BiliChek is now a part of the Novation/VHA supply agreement noting that her nursery recently implemented a new jaundice protocol utilizing BiliChek. According to Cabra, "Measuring the transcutaneous bilirubin levels with BiliChek on all infants helps to provide a noninvasive, universal screen. It also provides a systematic assessment of an infant's risk of developing severe hyperbilirubinemia." Cabra adds, "The protocol provides a guideline for the frequency of obtaining subsequent bilirubin levels, ensuring consistency and timeliness in monitoring. The benefits of this program include increased awareness of hyperbilirubinemia, earlier treatment, more timely follow-up, and decreased hospital readmissions for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia."

Paul Hodge, Product Manager Neonatal Jaundice Products for Children's Medical Ventures remarked, "We are excited about the opportunity to deliver our full suite of jaundice solutions to the Novation, UHC and VHA member hospitals. The BiliChek analyzer, combined with the Wallaby 3 system and WeeSpecs mask, will provide these customers with the tools they need to help with the timely diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia."

SOURCE: Respironics