A recent scientific stride has caught the attention of medical researchers and practitioners worldwide. Researchers from the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata, have unveiled a device aptly named “AJO-Neo” primarily tuned to measure neo-natal bilirubin levels. The SNBNCBS is an autonomous research institute functioning under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), a sector of the Government of India.
Understanding AJO-Neo
AJO-Neo is a unique product of advanced technology, employing a non-contact and non-invasive spectrometry-based technique specifically designed to measure neonatal bilirubin levels. This device has been developed to overcome the limitations posed by other available bilirubin meters in the market. It uses a contactless method to scan and garner readings, which makes it stand out from its competitors.
Bilirubin: An Essential Element
Bilirubin, a yellowish substance present in the blood, forms when red blood cells break down. After formation, it travels through liver, gallbladder, and digestive tract before being excreted from the body. This process is vital for the body, as it helps clear waste products that arise from the destruction of aged or abnormal red blood cells.
The Importance of Monitoring Neonatal Bilirubin Levels
Monitoring the bilirubin levels in new-borns is crucial to lessen incidents of a type of brain damage known as kernicterus. High levels of bilirubin in a baby’s blood can lead to this severe condition, resulting in Neuro-psychiatry problems in neonates. Thus, regular screening of neonatal bilirubin levels is imperative in the early detection and prevention of such potentially detrimental health implications.
AJO-Neo: A Reliable Tool
AJO-Neo is proving to be a reliable tool in measuring bilirubin levels in both preterm and term neonates. It can deliver accurate readings irrespective of factors like gestational or postnatal age, sex, risk aspects, feeding behavior, or skin color. It’s capable of generating an instantaneous report about the child’s bilirubin level within approximately 10 seconds. This is significantly faster compared to the conventional “blood test” method, which can take over 4 hours to generate a similar report.
Through this ground-breaking device, healthcare workers and parents alike can ensure that they are equipped with accurate information in real-time, aiding in prompt decision-making and treatment plans for the better health and wellbeing of neonates.
