A Comparison between Transcutaneous Bilirubin (TcB) and Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) Measurements in Term Neonates

Background: Transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TCB) is a simple method for estimating bilirubin levels in neonates. This method is noninvasive, quick, and painless. We aimed to compare serum and cutaneous bilirubin measurements in term neonates.Method: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 200 neonates with icter with birth weights of at least 2500 grams were studied. TCB was measured using a bilirubinometer three times on the forehead and mean levels were calculated. Then, during the subsequent 30 minutes blood samples were obtained and sent to the laboratory for determining the total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels. Findings: Of the 200 neonates, 124 (62%) were boys and 76 (38%) were girls, with an age range of 1-22 days. The mean±SD serum and cutaneous bilirubin levels were 18.75±5.38 and 17.85±4.46 mg/dl, respectively. A high correlation (r=0.89) was observed between TSB and TCB. The sensitivity and specificity of cutaneous bilirubin measurement were 95.1% and 68%, respectively.Conclusions: Because of its high sensitivity, TCB can be a suitable tool for predicting neonatal icter. However, it is not a suitable substitute for TSB measurement in neonates at a high risk of jaundice.