Estimation of bilirubin binding capacity of neonatal serum.

One aim of laboratory investigation in neonatal jaundice is to prevent kernicterus from occurring. Estimation of the bilirubin-binding capacity of serum is an important measurement along with total bilirubin determination. With a convenient Sephadex competitive binding procedure, KERNLUTE provides information on whether or not the neonate's bilirubin-binding capacity has been exceeded. Further testing of those serum specimens which show some residual binding capacity estimates whether the remaining bilirubin capacity is equivalent to 0 to 2.5 mg, 2.5 to 5 mg or more than 5 mg bilirubin per dl. References on the utility of this method and other more cumbersome procedures are given.