Pediatrics & Neonatology
Volume 50, Issue 6 , Pages 291-293, December 2009

Two Different Tests for Total Bilirubin in Neonates and Infants

  • Shen-Dar Chen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Chuang-Ming Wang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Pediatrics, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, 539 Jhongsiao Rd., Chia-Yi City 600, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Wen-Li Lee

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Wen-Chuang Wang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Chiung-Ju Chen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan

Received 6 June 2008; received in revised form 20 April 2009; accepted 12 May 2009.

Article Outline

Background

The most readily available methods for testing serum total bilirubin in neonates are the capillary tube-directed optics color method and serum biochemistry. Because inconsistency between these two methods may cause confusion in clinical practice, this study was designed to quantify their differences.

Methods

In 46 neonates with clinical jaundice, total bilirubin was measured by two different methods, using a nonchemical photometric device and a laboratory analyzer.

Results

Differences in results between these two methods were statistically significant, especially when total bilirubin level exceeded 15 mg/dL.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of the differences between the two methods when making decisions in patient care.

Key Words:  infant , laboratory analyzer , neonate , nonchemical photometric device , serum total bilirubin

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References 

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  2. American Academy of Pediatrics  , Subcommittee on Hyperbilirubinemia  . Management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation . Pediatrics . 2004;114:297–316
  3. Yamanouchi I , Yamauchi Y , Igarashi I . Transcutaneous bilirubinometry: preliminary studies of noninvasive transcutaneous bilirubin meter in the Okayama National Hospital . Pediatrics . 1980;65:195–202
  4. Rolinski B , Kuster H , Ugele B , Gruber R , Horn K . Total bilirubin measurement by photometry on a blood gas analyser: potential for use in neonatal testing at the point of care . Clin Chem . 2001;47:1845–1847
  5. Peake M , Mazzachi B , Fudge A , Bais R . Bilirubin measured on a blood gas analyser: a suitable alternative for near-patient assessment of neonatal jaundice? . Ann Clin Biochem . 2001;38:533–540

PII: S1875-9572(09)60080-2

doi:10.1016/S1875-9572(09)60080-2

Pediatrics & Neonatology
Volume 50, Issue 6 , Pages 291-293, December 2009

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