[Determination of residual bilirubin binding capacity in the serum of newborn infants using bromphenol blue].

In serum specimens collected from premature infants the residual bilirubin binding capacity was determined by a direct spectrometric method using bromphenol blue. The bindingin capacity determined in this way is strongly correlated to the serum bilirubin level. Changes in binding capacity are shown during the first 16 days of life. Experiments on model sera show the dependence of binding capacity for bromphenol blue on the ratio albumin/bilirubin. The results are discussed with respect to the urgency of blood exchange transfusions preventing danger of kernicterus.