Method for determining bilirubin concentration from skin reflectance
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting jaundice in a patient, said method comprising:
- measuring the spectral reflectance of the skin of a patient; and
determining from said measured reflectance the bilirubin concentration in the blood of said patient.
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Abstract
A method is disclosed for determining the bilirubin concentration in the blood serum of a person from measurement of the spectral reflectance of the skin. The disclosed method detects the severity of jaundice, a common neonatal condition, and enables determination of the type of treatment regimen needed to prevent the bilirubin level from becoming sufficiently high to cause kernicterus which can result in brain damage. The method includes measuring the reflectance of the skin within a predetermined frequency spectrum, and more particularly at a number of specific wavelengths in the visible portion of the spectrum.
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13 Claims
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1. A method for detecting jaundice in a patient, said method comprising:
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measuring the spectral reflectance of the skin of a patient; and determining from said measured reflectance the bilirubin concentration in the blood of said patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for determining the bilirubin concentration in the blood of a person, said method comprising:
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generating light at a plurality of frequencies; directing said generated light at the skin of a person; collecting light reflected from the skin of a person and generating therefrom electrical signals indicative of said reflected light that is collected; and providing an indication of the bilirubin concentration of said person from the magnitude of said electrical signals produced. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification