Screening and biliary atresia screening program

In Switzerland, a national study led by the Swiss Pediatric Liver Center between 2009 and 2015 enabled the introduction of early screening for biliary atresia in newborns. This screening is based on observing the color of the baby’s stools using a color card, which can be found on page 7 of the child’s health booklet. This booklet is given to parents by the obstetrician, midwife, or pediatrician after birth.

This simple and low-cost screening allows for earlier surgery using the Kasai procedure, thereby reducing the need for liver transplantation during childhood.

Compare your child’s stool color to the images in the booklet. If the stool is discolored (images 5, 6 or 7) and his urine gets yellowish brown, please tick the appropriate box and consult your pediatrician. 

 

Additional tests, such as a blood test and an abdominal ultrasound, will help assess the proper function of the bile ducts. 

Attention: only the originals colors of the paper version are reliable. Do not print or photocopy the card and do not rely on the colors on a screen.