How accurate is transcutaneous bilirubin?

[9], the reliability of transcutaneous bilirubinometer was determined in neonates (aged 2 to 31 days) consulting for jaundice in pediatric emergency department. They found that for TSB of 18 mg/dL (308 μmol/L) a TcB cut-off of 13 mg/dL (222 μmol/L) shows a sensitivity of 92.9%, a specificity of 62.1% with a NPV of 97%.

Is transcutaneous bilirubin accuracy after phototherapy?

Conclusion: Phototherapy significantly interferes with the accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubinometry. TcB measurements performed 2 h after stopping phototherapy were not reliable, even if they were carried out on the unexposed body area.

Is phototherapy possible at home?

It has been shown that phototherapy in home is feasible, safe and effective alternative to phototherapy in hospital (9–11).

How long does it take for a bilirubin blanket to work?

Phototherapy with or without a biliblanket is the most common form of treatment for jaundice. This treatment is used for a few days until the liver is mature enough to handle the bilirubin on its own. What is Phototherapy? Some “normal” jaundice will disappear within a week or two without treatment.

What is the difference between TcB and TSB?

WHAT’S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) is highly correlated with total serum bilirubin (TSB) across ethnic populations. TcB is a useful screening tool or indication for treatment in infants with severe hyperbilirubinemia where facilities for TSB are limited or lacking.

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).

Can you use transcutaneous bilirubin after phototherapy?

Phototherapy decreases bilirubin concentration in skin more rapidly than in blood. During and after phototherapy, transcutaneous bilirubin measurements are considered unreliable and therefore discouraged.

What is transcutaneous bilirubin?

Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement is a non‐invasive method for measuring serum bilirubin level (Dai 1997). Transcutaneous bilirubinometry works by directing light into the skin and measuring the intensity of the wavelength of light that is returned (Boo 2007).

Can house lights help jaundice?

The treatment for jaundice is a light that helps the bilirubin break down. Your baby might lie under the light or be wrapped in a blanket that shines light on the skin. A nurse can show you how to use the light or blanket correctly. Call your child’s doctor or nurse if you have any questions.

Does Home light help with jaundice?

Treatment for jaundice is very easy and safe. It all happens using blue light from a special blanket that you wrap your baby in.

Do you need eye protection with a bili blanket?

The blanket should keep you from seeing the light from the Biliblanket. The baby may also lie skin to skin on you with the Biliblanket over the baby’s back, but be sure to cover both of you with a blanket to keep the light away from your eyes.