How accurate is transcutaneous bilirubin testing in newborns with darker skin tones?

Fairly accurate. Photometric transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) testing may overestimate total serum bilirubin (TSB) in neonates with darker skin tones by a mean of 0.68 to > 2 mg/dL (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, diagnostic cohort studies with differing reference standards).Overall, TcB meters retain accept able accuracy in infants of all skin tones across a range of bilirubin levels, despite being more likely to underestimate lighter skin tones and overestimate darker ones (SOR: C, diagnostic cohort studies with differing reference standards). It is unclear if the higher readings prompt an increase in blood draws or otherwise alter care.