Evaluation of the Minolta bilirubin meter as a screening device in white and black infants

The only currently available method for the determination of the serum bilirubin concentration is blood sampling followed by analysis in the laboratory. Yamanouchi et al1 have presented data concerning a two-wavelength (460, 555 nm) transcutaneous bilirubin meter (Minolta Camera Company, Ltd). They found a significant correlation with serum bilirubin concentrations of 0 to 20 mg/100 ml in full-term Oriental infants. However, there are no published data concerning the use of the instrument in white or black full-term or premature infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Minolta transcutaneous bilirubin meter in these populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS During a two-month period, measurements were taken with the Minolta transcutaneous bilirubin meter on any infant for whom a serum bilirubin determination had been ordered.