Final answer:
A Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer (TcB) is a device used to non-invasively measure bilirubin levels in newborns to detect and manage jaundice. It works by analyzing light absorption by bilirubin through the skin, which helps estimate bilirubin concentration in the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer (TcB) is a non-invasive device used to estimate the bilirubin level in newborns. Bilirubin is a brown pigment secreted into bile by the liver, which is a byproduct of the catabolism of dead red cells and is excreted in feces by the large intestine. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood can lead to jaundice, which is a common condition in newborns.
The TcB measures bilirubin levels by using light absorption techniques. When certain wavelengths of light are transmitted through the skin, bilirubin absorbs light differently compared to other substances in the blood. By determining the difference in light absorption, the TcB provides an estimate of the bilirubin concentration in the blood. This method is similar to how Doppler-shift radar is used to detect storms by detecting turbulence. It is analogous to other medical tests, such as the Van Den Bergh test, which measures direct bilirubin in the blood, and is important for identifying conditions such as unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Early detection of high bilirubin levels is crucial for preventing kernicterus, a form of brain damage that can lead to mental unstable.