We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Transcutaneous Bilirubin Estimated in ELBW Infants

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 31 Jul 2018
Hyperbilirubinemia is seen in almost two-thirds of term and more than two-thirds of all preterm infants. More...
The incidence of kernicterus has dramatically decreased since the onset of regular screening and aggressive management with phototherapy (PHT).

Transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) is a quick, painless and reliable alternative to serum bilirubin measurements in the management of hyperbilirubinemia. Following PHT, TcB measurements are considered unreliable, as PHT causes bleaching of the skin.

Pediatricians at the Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital (Palo Alto, CA, USA) and their colleagues enrolled a population that consisted of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants born at University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB, Galveston, TX, USA) receiving phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. ELBW infants were defined as infants with a birth weight of less than 1,000 g. A total of 19 infants were enrolled in the study, with a mean gestational age of 26 ± 2 weeks and mean weight 827 ± 127 g.

Prior to starting PHT, an opaque patch was placed on the back of the infant. PHT was started by using a Giraffe Blue Lite PT system and continued for five days. Transcutaneous bilirubin in covered area (TcB-C), and exposed area (TcB-E) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels were obtained at birth and every 24 hours for five days. TcB measurements were obtained using the Respironics BiliCheck noninvasive bilirubin meter. Serum bilirubin levels (TSB) were used as the gold standard.

The scientists found that the difference between TcB-C and TSB was 2.68 ± 2.41 mg/dL (mean ± SD), which was significantly different statistically. In contrast, the difference between TcB-E and TSB was − 0.51 ± 1.74 mg/dL, which was also statistically significant. TcB-C consistently overestimates TSB, while TcB-E consistently underestimates TSB. The authors concluded that during PHT exposure, TcB-C does not correlate with TSB values in ELBW infants and that TcB-C levels cannot be used as a surrogate for TSB measurement in ELBW infants. The study was published on July 10, 2018, in the journal BMC Pediatrics.



Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Toxoplasma Gondii Test
Toxo IgG ELISA
New
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Test
OSOM® RSV Test
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Capsule sponge opened to reveal the sponge (Photo courtesy of StillVision)

Capsule Sponge Test Could Replace Endoscopies for Monitoring Esophageal Cancer Risk

Esophageal cancer remains a challenging disease to treat, with fewer than 20% of patients surviving beyond five years of diagnosis—a statistic that has remained largely unchanged for decades.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The new tool shines a light on elusive genomic patterns (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Computational Tool Exposes Hidden Cancer DNA Changes Influencing Treatment Resistance

Structural changes in tumor DNA are among the most damaging genetic alterations in cancer, yet they often go undetected, particularly when tissue samples are degraded or of low quality. These hidden genomic... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.