Non-invasive method of measuring bilirubin levels in newborn infants.

We present the results of an initial trial of a transcutaneous bilirubinometer under Australian conditions. The method is non-invasive and we obtained an acceptable degree of precision. The meter readings were influences by the site where reading was taken, and by phototherapy. Shading the recording site from phototherapy lights did not improve precision. We constructed regression lines for translation of meter recordings from forehead and abdomen to serum bilirubin levels.