Before a newborn can leave the hospital, doctors perform a series of test to ensure the baby is as healthy as possible.

Clinical educator Colicia Reeves explains that many new parents may notice something different about the color of their newborn's skin within the first 48 hours of life. "The yellowing of the skin is something we can see visually."

Colicia says that sixty percent of babies will have some form of jaundice, a condition that occurs when too much of the hormone bilirubin exists in the body. Left unnoticed, jaundice can cause permanent damage so early detection is the key. "There are some conditions that exist in the mother that we would look at."

Colicia also says that thanks to this device known as the bili-meter nurses can determine exactly how much bilirubin is present in the baby before they leave the hospital so they can be treated right away. "Home therapy is possible if the level isn't really high."

Colicia adds that many cases of jaundice will heal on their own, but light techniques like phototherapy have also been found to be very effective. "They can be treated with indirect sunlight before the levels are getting high."

In the past the tech used to prick the baby for blood. The new tech is more effective and less traumatic for the baby.

Babies will be checked for jaundice normally in the first 24 hours with the new "bili-meter" device.