Evaluation of bilirubin in the newborn nursery

Abstract

The clinical trials were completed in a community hospital nursery by nursing personnel. All 35 nurses involved in the experiment were instructed in the use of the bilirubinometer according to the instruction manual. Laboratory comparisons were performed in the hospital laboratory by one technician receiving the same training instructions. Standard bilirubin solutions were prepared 5 by dispersing 20 mg of commercial crystalline bilirubin in 1.0 ml of dimethylsulfone followed by the addition of 2.0 ml of 0.1M Na2CO~. A clear solution was obtained to which was added 95 ml of pooled cord serum. The pH was adjusted to 7.3 to 7.4 by adding approximately 2 ml of 0.1 M HC1. The solution was diluted to final concentration with cord serum (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/dl) under subdued light. Solutions were stored at --20~ each of two stock solutions four samples were prepared at these concentrations. No less than 15 determinations were made on each sample. Pediatric versatol was reconstituted with distilled water and then diluted to final concentrations by several laboratory personnel. Specimens were refrigerated at approximately 4~ and were used within 72 hours of reconstitution.