What is a transcutaneous bilirubinometer?
A transcutaneous bilirubinometer is a medical device that measures jaundice levels in newborns through the skin without taking blood.
How it works
- The device gently touches the baby's skin.
- It emits light and measures the bilirubin level based on the reflected light.
- The result appears in just 1–2 seconds.
Benefits
- No blood draw — painless
- Very fast
- Safe for newborns
- Allows repeated monitoring
Why needed?
- To monitor jaundice levels in newborns
- To quickly determine if phototherapy is required