Jaundice in newborns occurs in about 70% term and 80% in preterm.Management of jaundiced neonates often requires measurement of total serum bilirubin (TSB).
Total serum bilirubin (TSB) is usually determined by spectrophotometric methods by analyzing plasma or serum samples. Such techniques require blood to be drawn to cause pain and trauma to the newborn.
In addition there is a wide range of intra- and inter-laboratory variability in performance Bilirubin analyzer.
These problems have led to the search for a non-invasive, reliable technique for the assessment of TSB.
A transcutaneous bilirubin meter works by directing light into the skin and measuring the intensity of the wavelength of the light coming back
Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement is a non-invasive method for measuring serum bilirubin levels.
Bilirubin concentrations are determined either by whole blood or serum analysis using spectrophotometric methods or by skin-reflectance measurements.