Blood gas bilirubin measurements in neonates must be adjusted for HbF to avoid misleading results

Hyperbilirubinaemia is common in the first week of life with 60%–80% of babies developing jaundice.1 Though usually uncomplicated, untreated hyperbilirubinaemia, can lead to irreversible neurological injury.2 Prevention of bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND) includes universal risk factor and clinical assessment with additional transcutaneous bilirubinometer or Total serum bilirubin (TSB) assessment.1 Point of care testing (POCT) has the advantage of rapid bedside results, improving outcomes. Bilirubin measurement is available as a POCT via blood gas analysers in most neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Studies have shown good accuracy and precision of blood gas bilirubin compared with standard serum bilirubin assessment.3 4 A blood gas machine (Radiometer ABL 800 flex) was installed by the company in a new level 3 NICU in Australia and calibrated by the laboratory to provide bilirubin assay as a POCT. Over the first 2 months of use,...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Tags: PostScript Source Type: research