Transcutaneous Bilirubin Assessment for Screening of Hyperbilirubinemia in Term and Near-Term Neonates with Jaundice, a Comparative Study

Introduction Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in neonates. In this study, we aimed to compare association of total serum bilirubin (TSB) with sternum transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level obtained by KJ-8000 Transcutaneous bilirubin meter (KEJIAN medical apparatus).
Materials and Methods Eighty newborns were enrolled in present prospective cross-sectional study. At the first, blood sampling was done for determination TSB, and immediately after that, TcB levels were recorded on sternum skin by KJ-8000 device. Data was analyzed by statistical software SPSS version 21.
Results The mean gestational age of the infants was 38.2±1.5 weeks. The mean of TSB level 13.52±4mg/dl, while the mean value of TcB was obtained as 13.71±3.53 mg/dl. Pearson correlation analysis showed a correlation coefficient of r= 0.770 between sternum TcB recorded by KJ-8000 device and TSB.
Conclusion Giving the good correlation between TcB and TSB levels, it is advisable to consider the transcutaneous bilirubinometery as the screening method in jaundiced infants.