The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of total serum bilirubin and transcutaneous bilirubin in newborns, measured in both covered and exposed areas, before phototherapy, 24th hour of phototherapy and 8 hours after cessation of phototherapy. The study included term and preterm newborns that required phototherapy between postnatal days 0-28. Total serum bilirubin levels and transcutaneous bilirubin measurements were obtained using the MBJ20-2019 Transcutaneous Handheld Bilirubinometer (Beijing M&B Electronic Instruments Co. Ltd. China, 2019) from both exposed (sternal) and unexposed (forehead, covered with a radio-opaque patch) areas before, at 24th hours and eight hours after phototherapy.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate total serum bilirubin and transcutaneous bilirubin levels measured from covered and exposed areas in newborns before phototherapy, after 24 hours of phototherapy, and 8 hours after discontinuing phototherapy.

Materials and Methods: Term and preterm newborns who needed phototherapy between postnatal days 0-28 were included in the study. Total serum bilirubin values and transcutaneous bilirubin measurements by MBJ20-2019 Transcutaneous Handheld Bilirubinometer (Beijing M&B Electronic Instruments Co. Ltd. China, 2019) from the exposed area (on sternum) and an unexposed area (forehead, covered with a radioopaque patch) were obtained before starting phototherapy, after 24 hours of phototherapy, and at 8 hours after phototherapy. The results were analyzed statistically using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Inclusion Criteria:

Aged 0-28 days, Diagnosis of indirect hyperbilirubinemia Parent/guardian consent was obtained.

Exclusion Criteria:

Direct hyperbilirubinemia, Major congenital anomaly, Severe sepsis, Circulatory disorder, Need for blood exchange, Rehospitalization

Neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia were admitted to the NICU