Evaluation of BiliCare™ transcutaneous bilirubin device in Japanese newborns

Background Non-invasive transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) monitoring has been widely used to screen for hyperbilirubinemia. TcB values measured using the recently developed BiliCare™ system have not been fully evaluated. Methods One hundred and seven TcB measurements were obtained from 82 Japanese newborns ≥ 35 weeks’ gestational age within 2 weeks after birth. Measurements were taken at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe of the ear using BiliCare. BiliCare TcB values were compared with total serum bilirubin (TB) and TcB obtained using another bilirubinometer (JM-105™). Results TcB measured at all 3 sites significantly correlated with TB (r = 0.91, 0.93, and 0.93 at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe, respectively). The mean differences were 0.1, -0.3, and 3.6 at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe, respectively. TcB using the BiliCare at the scaphoid fossa significantly correlated with that using the JM-105 (r = 0.91). The mean difference value was 0.0. However, BiliCare had significantly higher and lower TcB values than JM-105 did when TB < 7 and ≥ 15 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusions TcB measurements taken at the scaphoid fossa or conchal cavity using BiliCare were more reliable than those at the earlobe. BiliCare TcB values were different from those of the JM-105, when TB was < 7 or ≥ 15 mg/dL. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.