Two different tests for total bilirubin in neonates and infants.
BACKGROUND
The most readily available methods for testing serum total bilirubin in neonates are the capillary tube-directed optics color method and serum biochemistry. Because inconsistency between these two methods may cause confusion in clinical practice, this study was designed to quantify their differences.


METHODS
In 46 neonates with clinical jaundice, total bilirubin was measured by two different methods, using a nonchemical photometric device and a laboratory analyzer.


RESULTS
Differences in results between these two methods were statistically significant, especially when total bilirubin level exceeded 15 mg/dL.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should be aware of the differences between the two methods when making decisions in patient care.
Chen
Shen-Dar
SD
Department of Pediatrics, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan.
Wang
Chuang-Ming
CM
Lee
Wen-Li
WL
Wang
Wen-Chuang
WC
Chen
Chiung-Ju
CJ
D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male
D001663:Bilirubin