Optimising Healthcare Resources with BiliSG: AI-Powered Mobile Screening Innovation in Neonatal Care
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
Singapore Healthcare Management Congress
SingHealth
11 February 2026
To develop and validate a smartphone-based ML app to predict bilirubin levels in neonates using skin color analysis. The smartphone-based ML app supports its use as a reliable screening tool for neonatal jaundice.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 11 February 2026
Tags: Technology, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Health, Cost Saving, Time Saving, Digitalisation, Automation, Productivity
About this Content
Aims
To develop and validate a smartphone-based ML app to predict bilirubin levels in neonates using skin color analysis, improving accessibility and reducing healthcare costs.
Background
Neonatal Jaundice (NNJ) affects 60-80% of newborns in Singapore and requires timely screening and monitoring to prevent severe complications. Healthcare systems face increasing pressure to optimize resource allocation.
Methods
This diagnostic study was conducted in Singapore between 2022-2024. A smartphone-based ML app was developed using skin images from neonates captured via a color calibration card. The model SpB (BiliSG) was validated against TSB (Blood Test) readings from 546 neonates across multiple ethnicities.
Results
The smartphone-based ML app demonstrated a strong correlation with total serum bilirubin and high sensitivity. Key findings include a Pearson correlation of r = 0.84, 82% of SpB-TSB pairs within clinically acceptable limits, sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 70%, and ROC AUC of 0.89.
Conclusion
The smartphone-based ML app supports its use as a reliable screening tool for neonatal jaundice. As part of the NNJ@Home National AI initiative, BiliSG offers a promising solution for both clinical and home-based NNJ detection.
Lessons Learnt
The study highlights the potential of AI-powered mobile screening to transform neonatal jaundice detection, offering a reliable and non-invasive method that can be performed at home and in community settings.
Keywords
Neonatal, Jaundice, AI, Screening, BiliSG, Mobile App, Healthcare, Resource Optimization
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Singapore General Hospital |
Platform(s) | Singapore Healthcare Management Congress |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Neonatology |
Project Lead(s) | Alvin Jia Hao Ngeow |
Project Member(s) | Aminath Shiwaza Moosa |
Connect with this contributor!
Alvin Jia Hao Ngeow - singaporehealthcaremanagement@singhealth.com.sg