Design of an Optical Non-Invasive Device for Measuring Bilirubin and a Home Use Phototherapy

Abstract

Bilirubin is a yellow substance created when the red blood cells are broke down , then bilirubin breaks down in the liver in order to be removed out of the body . Newborn jaundice occurs when the liver of the baby can’t break down the excess bilirubin in the blood . Jaundice have symptoms that appear on the baby and can be healed , but high levels of bilirubin can cause brain damage . The measuring of bilirubin is made by taking blood samples from the baby , which can be painful and difficult , and the phototherapy is preformed in the hospital for several days . This project includes two systems , a diagnostic device and a phototherapy device . The design of an optical non-invasive device for measuring bilirubin depends on specific wavelengths that are absorbed by bilirubin , by transmitting the light beams into the tissue of the baby ,and measuring the reflection then filtering and processing the optical sensors output value , the bilirubin concentration can be determined . The phototherapy device is designed in a matter of making the process easier , cheaper , and having high efficiency at the same time . The design is based on the mattress and blanket design .