INTRODUCTION
Neonatal jaundice – a condition that can affect up to 60% of newborns. Its caused by the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment found in bile, and results in the baby’s skin and eyes appearing yellow. If left untreated, jaundice can cause brain damage. An affordable and portable device to detect neonatal jaundice very vital.
One-in-ten newborns experience jaundice. Therefore, severe cases can lead to brain damage or death. Jaundice is detectable through a simple blood test, but hospitals often don’t have the resources to test all newborns. Also, a new era of neonatal jaundice detection has started, thanks to the development of a low-cost and non-invasive
NEONATAL JAUNDICE
Neonatal jaundice a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. This occurs when bilirubin, a reddish-brown substance produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin, accumulates in the blood. In addition, mild jaundice a very common disease and usually resolves without treatment, but more severe cases require specialized medical care. In the most severe cases, jaundice can cause brain damage and even death.
While often benign and self-limited, there are cases when neonatal jaundice can signify more serious health complications. These complications leads to brain damage, death, or lifelong health problems if left untreated. For this reason, healthcare providers need to be able to quickly and accurately detect neonatal jaundice.
WHAT IS THE BILISTICK SYSTEM?
Bilistick provides early detection of hyperbilirubinemia by analyzing the total concentration of serum bilirubin.
Also, Bilistick® is a point-of-care bilirubin assay that allows an early diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia. As it measures total serum bilirubin concentration, a rapid diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia made.
In addition, to Bilistick® Reader, a portable light reflectance reader, Bilistick® Test Strips with a cell-plasma separator cassette, and Bilistick® Sample Transfer Pipettes for loading blood in the test strip, also compatible with the Bilistick® Test Strips.
By using either a heel stick or a test tube, small amounts of blood are collected and applied to a Test Strip after insertion into the reader using a Sample Transfer Pipette.
In addition, low- and middle-income countries and Western countries, Bilistick® has been extensively validated. Furthermore, it used in different environments and conditions worldwide. In comparing Bilistick® bilirubin results to those of traditional bilirubin testing methods used in high-quality hospitals’ laboratories, it was shown that bilirubin results were excellently correlated.
As a result, several studies support the use of the Bilistick® System to periodically screen for total serum bilirubin. Thus, it could contribute to a significant reduction in the prevalence of severe ABE/kernicterus in LMICs by facilitating the early identification of newborns requiring phototherapy treatment.
FEATURES OF THE SYSTEM
- It provides immediate results.
- Also. a device for neonatal Care.
- The device is minimally invasive.
- In addition, it offers a wide range of PCV.
- This device a portable & easily usable device.
SPECIFICATION OF BILISTICK READER
GENERAL SPECIFICATION
Units:-mg/dL and μmol/L
Range:-1 mg/dL to 40 mg/dL & 17.1 μmol/L to 684.0 μmol/L
Measure System:-Photometric based in two wavelengths at 465 nm and 570nm
Resolution:-± 0.1 mg/dL / 1.0 μmol/L
Repeatability:-Over 25 mg/dL: Within ±0.6 mg/dL / 10 μmol/L
Test Time:-m < 2 minutes (However, it depends on hematocrit)
Optical Filters: Glass protection inside the optical compartment
Calibration: Standard for periodic calibration
Blank self-calibration after Test Strip insertion
Hemolysis:-Automatic System for Hemolysis Detection
Results Report:-Color display, dimension 36.0 x 29.0 mm
Operating Conditions:-Firstly temperature: 15°to 40° C
Dimensions: 31.3 mm H x 72.9 mm W x 140 mm D
Net Weight: 220 gr.
Shipping Weight: 760 gr.
POWER SUPPLY
- Mini B USB-DC 5V-0.5A-2.5W
- Average Charging time: 4 hours (while no bilirubin test are been performed)
- Charging Temperature: In between, 15-40° C (However, recommended 15-25° C)
STORAGE
- For long-term storage, store the reader at 15-25° C, with low humidity and a non-corrosive atmosphere.
- When storing the reader for a period longer than six months, charge the battery at least once at a moment.
COMPONENTS OF BILISTICK SYSTEM
The whole package of the Bilistick System consists of:
- The Bilistick reader machine
- Bilistick Test strips
- Bilistick sample transfer pipettes
CONCLUSION
Neonatal jaundice can be detected through several tests, all of which are pretty simple. Most newborn babies develop jaundice in the first week of their lives. While, in most cases, it is just a harmless condition, it is essential to have it diagnosed and treated if necessary.
Diagnosis of any illness is crucial for its timely treatment. So this is vital that it can be detected and treated before any serious complications develop. However, it is vital to seek medical help as soon as possible if you suspect that your child may be experiencing this condition.
