Validation of a mobile health device for neonatal jaundice screening: a cross-sectional study in a low-resource setting in Mexico

Cross sectional study conducted in an urban hospital in Oaxaca, Mexico to validate the mHealth device Picterus Jaundice Pro to screen for neonatal jaundice (NNJ). 177 newborns were included, 13 excluded, 164 analyzed. Results of bilirubin from the device were compared with total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels and with standard detection method (visual assessment using Kramer scale). A high correlation of Picterus device with TSB was found. Mean difference between the device and TSB was -14.73 ± 59.7 µmol/L. The device underestimated TSB values above 250 µmol/L. ROC analysis to determine Picterus JP accuracy to detect TSB ≥ 250 µmol/L (14.6 mg/dL) showed an AUC of 0.875. Picterus JP cutoff of 202 µmol/L (11.9 mg/dL) resulted in sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 80.1%. It was concluded that with appropriate adjustments, the device can become a valuable screening tool, especially in underserved areas, improving early NNJ detection and reducing health disparities.