The hematofluorometer: a rapid assay for bilirubin and bilirubin binding

Serum bilirubin measurement is extremely important to clinicians caring for newborn infants. These infants are at risk for kernicterus (bilirubin staining of brain matter) due to their immature clearance mechanism and increased bilirubin load. The hematofluorometer is a newly available device that uses the fluorescent properties of bilirubin to measure 1) albumin-bound bilirubin, 2) reserve binding capacity, and 3) total whole blood bilirubin. Since it is an easy and rapid assay, it provides the clinician with immediate information regarding the infant's level of unbound bilirubin. This information permits rapid assessment of the patient's risk for bilirubin encephalopathy. Clinicians and researchers could readily use this device in several clinical situations.