Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry in Reducing the Number of Serum Bilirubin Tests in Neonatal Jaundice

Abstract

Background: Bilicheck is a non-invasive device that uses multiwavelength spectral reflectance analysis to measure bilirubin levels transcutaneously. Previous work in our institution predicted that using bilicheck in jaundiced babies born after 34 weeks may reduce the number of serum bilirubin tests (SBR's) needed by up to 55%. On the basis of this work, the use of Bilicheck was introduced into clinical practise in 2003. Aim: To determine whether clinical use of Bilicheck has resulted in a reduction of SBR's in clinical practice and quantify that reduction. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of all SBR's taken in 2002 (pre Bilicheck) and 2009 (post Bilicheck) compared the frequency of blood sampling for bilirubin estimation and values obtained.