Bilimeter (Minolta transcutaneous bilirubinometer)

Warning

Important: 

All bilimeter readings must be documented in the infant's casenotes

The Minolta bilimeter is not accurate enough to be used as a diagnostic tool to replace measuring SBR. It should only be used to help decide which infants need an SBR performed.

The bilimeter can be used in infants of

  • gestational age 35 weeks to term (note new lower gestation limit)
  • postnatal age 2 to 14 days (jaundice in the first 24 hours should always be investigated)
  • any skin colour -the Minolta bilimeter is reliable in babies with dark skin
  • The Bilirubinometer should not be used to assess need for Prolonged Jaundice referral

Avoid using the bilimeter

  • when an infant has been under phototherapy
  • when an infant has had an exchange transfusion
  • on forehead sites with bruising, birthmarks, haematomas or excessive hairiness
  • on sites other than the forehead

Note that the thresholds differ according to gestational age at birth (i.e. not corrected).

 

Bilimeter Reading

24 to 48 hours

> 48 hours

35+0 - 36+6 weeks

120 µmol/L

200 µmol/L

37+0 weeks and older

170 µmol/L

270 µmol/L

N.B. If the Bilimeter shows the dashed display shown below, it is likely that the estimated bilirubin value is high (above 340), and a lab bilirubin measurement must be carried out.

 

  • Remove from charger
  • Clean probe with alcohol swab
  • Switch on -ready lamp should illuminate -if light blinks, charge battery
  • Ensure reading is set to µmol/L (if not, switch off and then switch on again while holding down "reset" button -hold down "reset" for 15 seconds until unit changes)
  • Hold down "reset" until n-3 shows (3 readings will be averaged -note this is different from 5 readings used previously)

  • Place probe vertically on forehead (avoid obvious bruises or discoloured areas)
  • Apply gentle pressure until probe clicks -the number of remaining measurements is displayed (the value is not displayed until all 3 measurements are done)
  • Repeat until all 3 measurements are done -the average of the measured values is displayed

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 17/08/2023

Next review date: 17/08/2033

Author(s): David Quine.