Skin color influences transcutaneous bilirubin measurements: a systemic in vitro evaluation

A. J. Dam-Vervloet; C. F. Morsink; M. E. Krommendijk; I. M. Nijholt; H.L. M. van Straaten; L. Poot; N. Bosschaart

doi:10.1117/12.2692494

13 March 2024 Skin color influences transcutaneous bilirubin measurements: a systemic in vitro evaluation

A. J. Dam-Vervloet, C. F. Morsink, M. E. Krommendijk, I. M. Nijholt, H.L. M. van Straaten, L. Poot, N. Bosschaart

Proceedings Volume PC12833, Design and Quality for Biomedical Technologies XVII; PC1283308 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2692494
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2024, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Objective: We examined the impact of skin color on transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements in vitro. Methods: Using layered neonatal skin mimicking phantoms with varying dermal bilirubin levels and epidermal melanosome volume fractions, the relationship between skin color and TcB precision is systematically investigated. TcB measurements were performed with a commercially available bilirubin meter (JM-105, Draeger Medical, Lubeck, Germany). Results: Epidermal melanosome volume fractions affected TcB measurements, leading to larger underestimations at higher melanosome volume fractions and bilirubin levels. In this in vitro setting, underestimations ranged from 30 to 131 µmol/L at a TcB value of 250 µmol/L. Conclusion: Skin pigmentation affects TcB accuracy, with greater underestimations observed in darker skin tones and higher bilirubin levels. Our results highlight the need for improved TcB meter design and cautious interpretation of TcB readings on newborns with dark skin.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

A. J. Dam-Vervloet, C. F. Morsink, M. E. Krommendijk, I. M. Nijholt, H.L. M. van Straaten, L. Poot, and N. Bosschaart "Skin color influences transcutaneous bilirubin measurements: a systemic in vitro evaluation", Proc. SPIE PC12833, Design and Quality for Biomedical Technologies XVII, PC1283308 (13 March 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2692494

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