Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

Bilirubinometer for Newborn Infants: Importance, Working, and Benefits

Tsung Chieh Yao^{* *}Correspondence: Tsung Chieh Yao, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Email:

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Description

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed when red blood cells break down in the body. When the levels of bilirubin in the blood are too high, it can lead to a condition called neonatal jaundice in newborn infants. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, and it typically resolves on its own. However, in some cases, it can cause serious health complications if left untreated. A bilirubinometer is a medical device that measures the levels of bilirubin in newborns.

Importance of bilirubinometer in newborn infants

Bilirubinometer is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal jaundice. It is a non-invasive method of measuring bilirubin levels in newborns, which eliminates the need for blood tests. The device uses light to detect the amount of bilirubin in the skin, providing a quick and accurate reading. This allows healthcare professionals to monitor bilirubin levels in newborns, identify high-risk cases, and initiate treatment promptly.

Early detection and treatment of neonatal jaundice can prevent serious health complications, including brain damage and deafness. Bilirubinometer provides a simple and effective method of monitoring bilirubin levels, which helps healthcare professionals to diagnose jaundice at an early stage. The device is also useful in determining the effectiveness of treatment, allowing healthcare professionals to adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Working of bilirubinometer

Bilirubinometer works on the principle of light absorption. The device uses a special light source to shine a beam of light on the skin of the newborn, usually on the forehead or sternum. The light is absorbed by the bilirubin in the skin, and the device measures the intensity of the light that is reflected back. This provides an accurate reading of the bilirubin levels in the baby's blood.

The measurement is taken in a matter of seconds, and the results are displayed on the bilirubinometer screen. The device uses a scale to indicate the severity of the jaundice. The healthcare professional can use this information to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Benefits of bilirubinometer

Bilirubinometer has several benefits in the management of neonatal jaundice. These benefits include:

Non-invasive: Bilirubinometer is a non-invasive method of measuring bilirubin levels in newborns. It eliminates the need for blood tests, which can be painful and traumatic for the baby.

Quick and easy: Bilirubinometer provides a quick and easy method of measuring bilirubin levels. The measurement is taken in a matter of seconds, and the results are displayed immediately.

Accurate: Bilirubinometer provides accurate readings of bilirubin levels in newborns. The device uses a scale to indicate the severity of the jaundice, which helps healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Cost-effective: Bilirubinometer is a cost-effective method of measuring bilirubin levels in newborns. It eliminates the need for blood tests, which can be expensive.

Pain-free: Bilirubinometer is a pain-free method of measuring bilirubin levels in newborns. It does not require a blood sample, which eliminates the need for needle sticks and reduces the risk of infection.

Bilirubinometer is a valuable tool in the management of neonatal jaundice. It provides a non-invasive, painless method of measuring bilirubin levels in newborns, allowing healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat jaundice promptly. Early detection and treatment of neonatal jaundice can prevent serious health complications, making the bilirubinometer an essential device in neonatal care.