Improved transcutaneous bilirubinometry: comparison of SpectR(X) BiliCheck and Minolta Jaundice Meter JM-102 for estimating total serum bilirubin in a normal newborn population.
OBJECTIVE
To compare a new transcutaneous bilirubinometer, which uses multiple wavelength analysis of reflectance data (BiliCheck system), and the commonly used two-wavelength bilirubinometer (Jaundice Meter JM-102) to estimate serum bilirubin.


METHODS
Jaundiced newborn term infants (101 babies) had transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TCB) using each bilirubinometer, a determination of skin color using a skin color chart, and a total serum bilirubin determination.


RESULTS
The variability of the BiliCheck system was less than the variability of the Jaundice Meter JM-102. The accuracy of the BiliCheck system was not affected by skin color, whereas the Jaundice Meter JM-102 was affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple wavelength analysis, as used in the BiliCheck system, is a significant improvement in TCB.
Robertson
Alex
A
Department of Pediatrics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4354, USA.
Kazmierczak
Steve
S
Vos
Paul
P
D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood*; D003116:Color; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena
D001663:Bilirubin