A jaundice meter and a bilirubinometer are both medical devices used to measure bilirubin levels in the blood, but they differ in their technology, method of measurement, and intended use:
- Jaundice Meter:
- Technology: A jaundice meter typically uses transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) technology.
- Method of Measurement: It measures the amount of bilirubin in the skin by shining light onto the skin surface and measuring the amount of light absorbed and reflected.
- Intended Use: Jaundice meters are commonly used for non-invasive screening of neonates (newborn babies) for hyperbilirubinemia, a condition characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, which can lead to jaundice.
- Bilirubinometer:
- Technology: A bilirubinometer typically uses direct spectrophotometry or photometric analysis.
- Method of Measurement: It measures the concentration of bilirubin in a blood sample obtained through a fingerstick or venipuncture.
- Intended Use: Bilirubinometers are used for quantitative measurement of bilirubin levels in the blood, primarily in clinical settings such as hospitals and laboratories, for diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions including jaundice, hemolytic anemia, and liver disease.
In summary, while both jaundice meters and bilirubinometers measure bilirubin levels, jaundice meters use non-invasive transcutaneous technology for screening neonates for jaundice, while bilirubinometers use blood samples and direct spectrophotometric methods for quantitative measurement of bilirubin levels in clinical settings.