Validity of Bilirubin Measured by Biliscan (Smartphone Application) in Neonatal Jaundice – An Observational study


 Introduction: Bilirubin is a frequently ordered investigation in neonatal intensive care units and out-patient practice during follow- up. The gold standard for its estimation serum bilirubin which invasive resulting parenteral apprehension, pain, discomfort iatrogenic anaemia neonate, while the non-invasive measurement by transcutaneous bilirubinometer not available all centres because of cost. Biliscan smartphone application that uses phone’s inbuilt camera colour calibration card to detect jaundice. We compared measured with reference among neonates admitted tertiary centre.
 Methods: conducted an observational study from June-2019 September-2019 at centre Hyderabad, India. Inborn (greater than > 35 weeks gestational age birth, less week old) who required estimation, underwent both sampling Biliscan. Photograph baby’s chest was captured using application. values derived were those blood samples.
 Results: A total 143 enrolled. mean value estimated 11.9 g/dl against 13.1 showed moderate agreement correlation coefficient 0.6. Bland- Altman plot constructed bias 1.1 limits ranging -3 +5.3. had good sensitivity 90% identifying high levels (> 95th percentile on Bhutani nomogram).
 Conclusion: non-invasive, real-time, inexpensive easily method cannot replace bilirubin, however can complement has potential help screening thus facilitating recognition jaundice early minimising number pricks.