A noninvasive, battery-powered, hand-held, portable instrument intended to measure transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels, in order to predict total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels in a neonate. It directs a light beam into the newborn’s skin, usually on the forehead, sternum or ear, and measures the intensity of multiple wavelengths (typically 2 or more) that are reflected from the newborns subcutaneous tissue. These optical signals are processed (typically by a photocell and microprocessor) to give a TcB and/or TSB value. It is used mainly for screening hyperbilirubinemia.