Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry in Jaundiced Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Bernice van den Esker-Jonker1, Lieve den Boer1, Rianne M C Pepping1
1Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Clinic, Isala, Zwolle, Netherlands.
Background:
For evaluation of jaundiced neonates, serum bilirubin (SB) or transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) is used. Few data are available on the quantitative reduction of blood sampling by using TcB.
Methods:
We conducted a randomized controlled trial in hospitalized jaundiced neonates ≥32 weeks' gestational age. In the intervention group, TcB was used and in the control group the decision to obtain a blood sample for SB was based on visual and clinical assessment. Outcome measure was the number of blood samples before phototherapy. When TcB was <50 µmol/L below the threshold for phototherapy, SB was obtained. The decision to start treatment was always based on an SB value.
Results:
A total of 430 were randomized and included in the intention-to-treat analysis: 213 in the TcB group and 217 in the control group. In the TcB group, 104 (48.4%) had at least 1 blood sample taken for SB, versus 172 (79.3%) in the control group (difference 30.5%, 95% confidence interval 21.5-38.7, P < .001). The number of blood draws was significantly reduced by 38.5% (0.9 ± 1.1 vs 1.3 ± 1.0, difference -0.5, 95% confidence interval -0.7 to -0.3, P < .001). Peak of bilirubin value, indications for phototherapy, or exchange transfusion and hospitalization length were not different between groups.
Conclusions:
The use of TcB in jaundiced neonates is feasible and safe, resulting in a reduction of more than one-third in blood draws.
