How accurate are bilirubin tests?
The blood test is more accurate than the skin test. The skin test is usually used just to decide if a blood test is needed. Although any laboratory test can be inaccurate from time to time, it is always best to assume it is accurate until proven otherwise. In other words, if your baby has a laboratory bilirubin test done that comes back very high (higher than 20 mg/dL), dont let clinic or hospital personnel, including your doctor, talk you into waiting around to repeat the test. Insist on starting treatment for your baby immediately, and having the test repeated while treatment is underway. If the second test comes back lower, fine. If it comes back high, you will be greatly relieved that you didnt waste time and risk brain damage to your baby.
