Objective: To evaluate reliability of transcutaneous measurement of bilirubin (Bi) concentration using a noninvasive bilirubinmeter Air-Shields Minolta JM-103 and to compare the results obtained on various parts of the newborn body surface. Patients and methods: The whole cohort („s“) of 247 physiological newborns (139 boys, 108 girls) was divided according to concentration serum Bi into a physiological subgroup „f“ (Bi <220 µmol/l, n = 138) and a pathological subgroup „p“ (Bi ≥220 µmol/l, n = 109). Results: Differences (∆) between the transcutaneous value of Bi concentration on the forehead (∆C), sternum (∆S), belly (∆B) and the value of Bi concentration in serum, considered as standard, were evaluated. Insignificant differences in the subgroup „f“ were obtained in the measurement on the forehead (∆C = 1.25 µmol/l (CI –3.1–5.6)) and in the subgroup „p“ on sternum (∆S = 1.9 µmol/l (CI –-3.7–7.5)) as well as on the belly (∆B = 3.4 (CI–-3.2–10.0)), (p >0.05), the other observed differences in both subgroups „f“, „p“ as well as in the whole cohort „s“ displayed significant differences as compared to serum concentration of Bi. Conclusion: Based on the results it is possible to recommend transcutaneous measurement of Bi concentration by the apparatus Minolta JM-103 in the area of sternum or belly of mature newborns as a reliable examination, which safely diagnoses hyperbilirubinemia where therapy is required.

        Key words: newborn, bilirubin, hyperbilirubinemia, icterus, transcutaneous measurement, Minolta JM-103