Development of a Smartphone-based Total Bilirubin Measuring System for Screening of Jaundice

Abstract

Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common neonatal disease and is observed in about 80% of newborns worldwide in neonatal period within a week after birth. Untreated infant hyperbilirubinemia may lead to brain damage and even death, so it is very important to diagnose it quickly and accurately. In this study, a total bilirubin measurement system was developed that is portable and easy to use without pre-processing using a commercial smartphone. This system measures using the LED and camera of the smartphone without the need for additional devices, and because a small amount of blood is injected without pre-treatment, anyone can easily measure it in the field. In a comparative study with Cobas c111 results, accuracy meets CLIA guidelines with 94% (17/18) within ±0.4 mg/dL below 3 mg/dL and 98% within ±20% above 3 mg/dL (276/282). This system offers a simple, fast and accurate diagnosis for jaundice in infants and young children in low-resource settings.