Question

Lipochromes cause interference with spectrophotometric analysis of bilirubin at 455 nm, so why is it used in newborns less than one month old?

a) Lipochromes do not interfere with bilirubin analysis in newborns
b) Newborns have lower levels of lipochromes
c) Spectrophotometric analysis is not performed in newborns
d) Lipochromes are not present in the first month of life

Answer 1

Although lipochromes can interfere with bilirubin analysis, it is used in newborns less than one month old because they have lower levels of lipochromes, which minimizes the potential for interference in bilirubin measurement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concern about lipochromes interfering with spectrophotometric analysis of bilirubin at 455 nm is relevant because these substances can overlap with the absorption spectrum of bilirubin, potentially affecting the accuracy of the measurement.

However, in the case of newborns less than one month old, the answer to why this method is used despite potential interference from lipochromes is b) Newborns have lower levels of lipochromes.

This reduced concentration of lipochromes means they are less likely to cause significant interference in the analysis of bilirubin levels, which is critical in monitoring and managing conditions such as jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.