Neonatal transcutaneous bilirubinometry.

The authors present data supporting the conclusion that the transcutaneous bilirubin index may be a valuable tool to help distinguish term babies with a total serum bilirubin value less than 13 mg/dl from those with higher levels and that it serves as a valuable screening device to decrease the number of unnecessary total serum bilirubin tests. Also examined are clinical guidelines and limitations of the device.