Effect of melanin, oxyhemoglobin and bilirubin on transcutaneous bilirubinometry.

To determine the effect of skin pigments on transcutaneous bilirubinometer readings, we measured the effect of bilirubin, melanin, and oxyhemoglobin solutions on transcutaneous bilirubinometer readings in vitro. Our results showed that the variability of the readings in vitro was related to the instrument's non-linear response to bilirubin and melanin concentration and an inaccurate oxyhemoglobin correction factor. These factors should be considered in developing a more accurate non-invasive method of monitoring serum bilirubin concentration.