Transcutaneous bilirubinometry

Specialties NICU

Published

Specializes in L/D 4 yrs & Level 3 NICU 22 yrs.

I am looking into doing research related to using transcutaneous bilirubinometry in preterm infants. Many NBNs use a device to measure bilirubin through the skin as a screening tool and I am interested to know what other units are doing. Do you use TcB in your unit on preterm (

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Newborn nursery here - but we don't use it on our late pretermers at all. Anyone under 37 weeks at birth gets a total bili on DOL 2, or before if they look like they need it.

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We do not use TcBs in our unit. Our kids usually are getting daily labs anyway so we order a serum bili. Also, the TcBs are not recommended for babies, I believe less than 35 weeks. Check the operator's manual for the TcB. Our hospital does use the meters in the general nursery.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

My unit doesn't use TcB. My last unit tried it briefly, but discontinued it, as it proved inaccurate, and tough to implement, especially once phototherapy had been started.

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Specializes in NICU.

My unit has one but I have yet to use it or have it ordered. Usually labs are ordered daily for the first week or so anyways and include bili levels.

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