Improved transcutaneous bilirubinometry: Comparison of SpectR_x BiliCheck and Minolta Jaundice Meter JM-102 for estimating total serum bilirubin in a normal newborn population

Objective: To compare a new transcutaneous bilirubinometer, which uses multiple wavelength analysis of reflectance data (BiliCheck system), and the commonly used two-wavelength bilirubinometer (Jaundice Meter JM-102) to estimate serum bilirubin. Study Design: Jaundiced newborn term infants (101 babies) had transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TCB) using each bilirubinometer, a determination of skin color using a skin color chart, and a total serum bilirubin determination. Results: The variability of the BiliCheck system was less than the variability of the Jaundice Meter JM-102. The accuracy of the BiliCheck system was not affected by skin color, whereas the Jaundice Meter JM-102 was affected. Conclusion: Multiple wavelength analysis, as used in the BiliCheck system, is a significant improvement in TCB.