# Bilirubin level in a newborn (skin or blood)

Biomarker · id `maternal:bilirubin-newborn` · Maternal & Newborn Atlas · release `c7fb95f1d15a7d13` (public)

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Browse, life stage: Newborn  
Browse, care area: Newborn care  

## In plain language

Bilirubin is a yellow chemical that builds up when the body cannot clear it, and too much of it causes jaundice. A baby's level can be measured with a blood test or estimated through the skin with a meter.

## Technical summary

MedlinePlus describes bilirubin as a yellow chemical from the breakdown of haemoglobin and lists the bilirubin blood test. The US-cleared JM-105 skin meter gives a reading that should be confirmed by a blood test (serum bilirubin) before treatment decisions. No interpretation thresholds are recorded here; a 2022 US paediatrics guideline is listed as an identity-only reference.

## Connected pages

- Related page: newborn jaundice: Newborn jaundice (hyperbilirubinaemia) (`maternal:neonatal-jaundice`)
- Measured by: Draeger Jaundice Meter JM-105 (`maternal:draeger-jm-105`)

## Provenance

Content hash: 38c3729cd09737949924cb1a0b4364349641bbb954933f1e6e03551cc4bc79f1
Last substantive edit: 2026-10-14
Evidence last checked: Not recorded