Optical transcutaneous bilirubin detector

Patent · Tue Nov 09 04:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:5207131

Kronberg, J W

A transcutaneous bilirubin detector is designed comprising a source of light having spectral components absorbable and not absorbable by bilirubin, a handle assembly, electronic circuitry and a fiber optic bundle connecting the assembly to the light source and circuitry. Inside the assembly is a prism that receives the light from one end of the fiber optic bundle and directs it onto the skin and directs the reflected light back into the bundle. The other end of the bundle is trifucated, with one end going to the light source and the other two ends going to circuitry that determines how much light of each kind has been reflected. A relatively greater amount absorbed by the skin from the portion of the spectrum absorbable by bilirubin may indicate the presence of the illness. Preferably, two measurements are made, one on the kneecap and one on the forehead, and compared to determine the presence of bilirubin. To reduce the impact of light absorption by hemoglobin in the blood carried by the skin, pressure is applied with a plunger and spring in the handle assembly, the pressure limited by points of a button slidably carried in the assembly that are perceived by touch when the pressure applied is sufficient. 6 figures.

• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: PTO; EDB-94-057294
• Patent Number(s): US 5259382; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-663518
• OSTI ID: 5207131
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550200* -- Biochemistry
550900 -- Pathology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ABSORPTION SPECTRA
AZOLES
BILIRUBIN
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
DESIGN
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES
DISEASES
EQUIPMENT
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
MEASURING METHODS
OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PIGMENTS
PYRROLES
SPECTRA