A comparison of transcutaneous bilirubinometers: SpectRx BiliCheck versus Minolta AirShields.
BACKGROUND
Two devices are available for making transcutaneous estimates of serum bilirubin (SBR): the Minolta AirShields JM102 and the new SpectRx BiliCheck.


OBJECTIVE
(a) To measure how well the readings produced by these devices agree with SBR measured in the laboratory; (b) to estimate for each device, the proportion of infants with clinical jaundice who would require blood sampling if the device was used as a screening tool to detect infants with SBR > or = 250 micromol/l.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study of jaundiced infants who required SBR at < or = 20 days of postnatal age. Those who had received phototherapy or exchange transfusion were excluded.


METHODS
Tertiary neonatal service in South-East Scotland.


METHODS
Within 30 minutes of SBR sampling, transcutaneous bilirubinometry was performed using one Minolta and two SpectRx devices (designated A and B).


RESULTS
Sixty-four neonates were enrolled, 19 of which were preterm (31-35 weeks). The 95% confidence intervals of a device reading corresponding to SBR were +/- 66.7, +/- 67.9, and +/- 66.4 micromol/l respectively. Using the devices to identify all SBR > or = 250 micromol/l would reduce SBR sampling by 23%, 16%, and 20% respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Given that SBR levels range from 50 to 400 micromol/l in jaundiced infants, the 95% confidence intervals of the devices are wide at +/- 67 micromol/l. The SpectRx can be used as a screening tool for hyperbilirubinaemia but there is no advantage in using it over the Minolta.
Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9YW, Scotland, UK. mae.wong@luht.scot.nhs.uk
C Mae
CM
Wong
P J E
PJ
van Dijk
I A
IA
Laing
D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019719:Diagnostic Equipment; D006801:Humans; D006932:Hyperbilirubinemia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007565:Jaundice / Q000097:blood*; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D001663:Bilirubin