The direct bilirubin test is usually increased when the gallbladder is blocked, hampering the flow of bile fluid.

The researchers divided the study participants into fifths on the basis of their bilirubin test scores.

Medical providers failed to consider the unreliability of visual jaundice assessments in dark-skinned newborns and allowed Jessie to be discharged without a blood test - known as a baseline total serum bilirubin test - or any treatment for jaundice and without explaining the potential complications of untreated jaundice or signs that might indicate problems to her parents.