What is BiliChek?

The BiliChek noninvasive, transcutaneous bilirubinometer assesses the risk of hyperbilirubinemia (newborn baby jaundice) in newborns. Using light instead of a needle, it allows you to easily measure serum bilirubin levels.

What is a normal transcutaneous bilirubin level?

In 6 studies of infants of predominantly northern European origin,12–17 the mean peak TSB level between days 3 and 6 was 7.1 ± 0.89 mg/dL; in our study, the level at 96 hours was 7.2 ± 3.73 mg/dL (median: 7.7 mg/dL).

How accurate is a Bilirubinometer?

The accuracy of using TcB values to detect neonates who required phototherapy was 92.5%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 78.3, 94.2, 62.1, and 97.3%, respectively.

How accurate is the Bilicheck?

Sensitivity and specificity of the Bilicheck® at the most reliable cut-off value (15 mg/dl) were 96.6% and 99%, respectively.

How does a jaundice meter work?

The meter analyzes the spectrum of optical signal reflected from the neonate’s subcutaneous tissues. These optical signals are converted to electrical signal by a photocell. These are analyzed by a microprocessor to generate a serum bilirubin value.

How do they check bilirubin in newborn?

If it’s thought your baby has jaundice, the level of bilirubin in their blood will need to be tested. This can be done using: a small device called a bilirubinometer, which shines light on to your baby’s skin (it calculates the level of bilirubin by analysing how the light reflects off or is absorbed by the skin)

What are the causes of high bilirubin levels?

High levels of bilirubin could mean your liver is not functioning correctly. However, high levels can also be due to medications, exercise, or certain foods. Bilirubin is also a product of breakdown of red blood cells, and an elevated reading may be related to disorders of red blood cells and not liver disease.

What is normal infant bilirubin level?

The normal values of total bilirubin range from 0.3-1.0 mg/dl and the normal direct bilirubin value is 5.2 mg/dl within 24 hours of birth. Generally, phototherapy is started when the total serum bilirubin level is at or above 15mg/dl in newborns within 25-48 hours of birth.

Is 14 a high bilirubin level?

Typically, bilirubin levels fall somewhere between 0.3 and 1.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Anything above 1.2 mg/dL is usually considered elevated.