Bilirubinometer Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Portable Bilirubinometer, Benchtop Bilirubinometer), By Application (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, Other), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

SKU ID : 14718054

No. of pages : 89

Last Updated : 07 July 2025

Base Year : 2024

Bilirubinometer Market Overview

Global Bilirubinometer market size is projected at USD 115.69 million in 2024 and is expected to hit USD 157.61 million by 2033 with a CAGR of 3.5%.

The bilirubinometer market is witnessing significant expansion due to the rising prevalence of neonatal jaundice and the increasing need for effective bilirubin monitoring tools. An estimated 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm newborns experience neonatal jaundice within the first week of birth, resulting in a growing requirement for bilirubin testing equipment. Globally, over 135 million births occur annually, with around 48 million infants at risk of developing hyperbilirubinemia. These statistics underscore the urgent need for accurate bilirubinometer devices in both developed and emerging nations. Bilirubinometers play a crucial role in assessing bilirubin levels in neonates, which helps in timely intervention and treatment. In countries like India and China, where over 50,000 annual neonatal deaths are attributed to untreated jaundice, the demand for effective diagnostic tools has grown steeply. The bilirubinometer market also benefits from government neonatal healthcare programs that span over 70 nations globally. The increased demand for non-invasive, point-of-care bilirubin testing solutions has boosted the deployment of both benchtop and portable bilirubinometers in hospitals, with over 10,000 installations reported across tertiary care facilities worldwide.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing incidence of neonatal jaundice, affecting over 100 million newborns annually, is driving bilirubinometer adoption.

Top Country/Region: The United States leads the market with over 4 million annual births and 75% hospital coverage of bilirubin monitoring systems.

Top Segment: Portable bilirubinometers dominate with over 65,000 units used globally due to their non-invasive and real-time monitoring capabilities.

Bilirubinometer Market Trends

The bilirubinometer market is evolving with advanced innovations in non-invasive testing. In 2023, over 58,000 portable bilirubinometers were sold globally, demonstrating a growing preference for compact, battery-operated, handheld devices. Non-invasive transcutaneous bilirubinometers have reduced neonatal discomfort by eliminating the need for blood draws. In countries like Japan, where 95% of maternity hospitals have adopted non-invasive bilirubin monitors, healthcare outcomes have significantly improved. Technological integration, such as touchscreens and digital readouts, is enhancing usability, and in 2024, over 18,000 new-generation digital bilirubinometers were deployed worldwide.

The adoption of point-of-care bilirubin monitoring in ambulatory settings is another prominent trend. In rural clinics across Africa and Southeast Asia, more than 12,000 units were installed in 2023 alone to manage infant jaundice in underserved populations. Additionally, artificial intelligence-enabled bilirubinometers are becoming more prevalent, with over 5,000 AI-integrated devices deployed in the European healthcare network by late 2024. Increased investment in pediatric diagnostics has also led to a surge in new models, with over 40 patents filed for bilirubinometer innovations in 2023.

Manufacturers are also focusing on integrating cloud connectivity, allowing real-time data sharing with healthcare systems. Approximately 4,200 connected bilirubinometers were deployed in neonatal intensive care units globally in 2023. With sustainability gaining attention, more than 30% of new devices released in 2024 were built with eco-friendly materials and energy-saving components.

Bilirubinometer Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

The global rise in neonatal jaundice is the leading driver of the bilirubinometer market. With around 60% of term infants and 80% of premature infants developing jaundice, the need for timely bilirubin testing has surged. In India alone, 26 million babies are born every year, and around 15 million of these experience hyperbilirubinemia requiring close monitoring. As over 40% of these cases go undiagnosed in rural areas, health systems are investing in cost-effective, portable bilirubinometers. Furthermore, more than 25 million bilirubin tests were conducted in hospital networks across the United States in 2023, reinforcing the need for streamlined bilirubin monitoring tools.

RESTRAINT

Preference for refurbished diagnostic devices

Despite the demand, market growth is restrained by the preference for refurbished medical equipment in low-income settings. In sub-Saharan Africa, over 50% of diagnostic tools are second-hand, reducing the penetration of new bilirubinometers. Additionally, refurbished benchtop units cost 35% less than new devices, which affects new product adoption. For instance, over 12,000 refurbished units were purchased by small clinics in Latin America in 2023, significantly curbing the revenue potential for original equipment manufacturers. Furthermore, public procurement policies in over 40 countries favor cost-based bidding, limiting opportunities for premium devices.

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding maternal and child health initiatives

Expanding global maternal and child health initiatives present immense market opportunities. More than 130 countries are currently implementing neonatal care programs, covering approximately 90 million infants annually. Governments in Asia-Pacific have allocated over USD 3 billion for neonatal care between 2023 and 2024, leading to over 28,000 new bilirubinometers being installed in regional hospitals. Bilirubin testing is now mandated in newborn screening protocols in over 70 nations. The proliferation of rural health centers – with over 45,000 clinics established in emerging economies over the past five years – also supports expanded bilirubinometer deployment. Additionally, NGOs supported over 5,000 device distributions in Africa in 2023, offering an avenue for new entrants.

CHALLENGE

Limited trained personnel in rural areas

The shortage of trained personnel to operate bilirubinometers in underdeveloped regions is a critical challenge. In Africa, over 65% of rural health facilities lack trained neonatal nurses to operate diagnostic devices. As a result, over 40,000 infants in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from untreated jaundice annually due to the absence of bilirubin monitoring. Similarly, more than 10,000 healthcare workers in Southeast Asia were found lacking proficiency in operating bilirubinometers in a 2023 health audit. Training costs and certification programs, averaging USD 1,500 per technician, act as barriers for small facilities to adopt advanced bilirubin testing.

Bilirubinometer Market Segmentation

The bilirubinometer market is segmented by type and application, with portable devices leading in adoption due to their mobility, ease of use, and suitability in low-resource settings. Application-based segmentation reveals hospitals as the dominant users, followed by diagnostic centers and other healthcare institutions.

By Type

  • Portable Bilirubinometer: Portable bilirubinometers account for more than 62% of market share with over 70,000 units deployed globally by end-2024. These devices are commonly used in pediatric departments and rural clinics, offering real-time results in under 10 seconds. Devices such as transcutaneous bilirubinometers allow for rapid and non-invasive screening, reducing test-related trauma in infants. In 2023, over 25,000 new portable units were installed in public health centers across Asia-Pacific.
  • Benchtop Bilirubinometer: Benchtop models are preferred in tertiary hospitals and laboratories, especially for serum bilirubin quantification. These units were responsible for over 35 million blood-based tests in 2023 across North America and Europe. Laboratories using benchtop devices achieved an average bilirubin detection accuracy of 98.7%, with over 40,000 benchtop units active worldwide. Their average shelf-life spans 8 years, making them reliable for long-term usage.

By Application

  • Hospitals & Clinics: Hospitals accounted for more than 65% of bilirubinometer installations globally, with over 95,000 devices used in maternity and neonatal ICUs. In countries like Germany, over 88% of hospitals are equipped with at least one bilirubinometer.
  • Diagnostic Centers: Diagnostic labs conducted more than 15 million bilirubin tests using benchtop analyzers in 2023. Over 20,000 bilirubin-specific analyzers are installed across Europe and North America in diagnostic labs.
  • Other (Home Care, NGOs): Home care setups and non-profit programs accounted for around 7% of the market. Over 6,000 units were distributed for community healthcare by NGOs in 2023, primarily in rural India and sub-Saharan Africa.

Bilirubinometer Market Regional Outlook

The bilirubinometer market shows distinct regional trends based on infrastructure, healthcare access, and neonatal health programs.

North America

North America dominates the bilirubinometer market with over 60,000 units operational across hospitals and clinics in the United States and Canada. The U.S. accounts for approximately 70% of the North American bilirubinometer volume, with over 3.8 million newborn screenings annually. Government mandates on neonatal jaundice testing have led to 100% hospital compliance, and over 80% of pediatricians utilize portable bilirubinometers in outpatient settings.

  • Europe

Europe has a well-established neonatal care framework, with over 55,000 bilirubinometers installed across public hospitals. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK conduct a combined 18 million bilirubin tests annually. Non-invasive technologies are widely adopted, and over 60% of the continent’s hospitals use AI-enabled bilirubin monitors. The region also reported over 8,000 annual bilirubin-related hospital admissions, indicating the diagnostic importance of this market.

  • Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing market in unit demand, accounting for over 35% of global bilirubinometer installations. In 2023, more than 30,000 devices were installed across China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. India’s public health sector performed over 9 million bilirubin tests in 2023 alone. China holds more than 25% of Asia-Pacific's market, with over 15,000 bilirubinometers operational in urban and rural hospitals.

  • Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa has witnessed a notable increase in device deployment, with over 12,000 bilirubinometers distributed through global health initiatives since 2022. South Africa and Egypt lead regional adoption, with a combined total of 4,500 units. In Nigeria, community health centers saw over 800 bilirubinometers installed in 2023 as part of infant mortality reduction programs.

List of Top Bilirubinometer Market Companies

  • Advanced Instruments Inc.
  • Apel
  • AVI Healthcare
  • Beijing M&B Electronic Instruments
  • DAS srl
  • Drager
  • GINEVRI
  • Heinen und Löwenstein
  • MBR Optical Systems
  • Mennen Medical
  • Micro Lab Instruments
  • Natus Medical Incorporated
  • Reichert Technologies - Analytical Instruments
  • Xuzhou Kejian Hi-tech
  • Zhengzhou Dison Instrument And Meter

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

Natus Medical Incorporated: With over 25,000 bilirubinometer units globally deployed, Natus holds nearly 30% of the total market volume. Their transcutaneous bilirubinometer model is used in more than 50 countries.

Drager: Drager controls approximately 20% of the bilirubinometer market, with over 18,000 devices operational across European neonatal units and 4,000 installed in Asia-Pacific healthcare institutions.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the bilirubinometer market have surged, driven by global health initiatives and public-private partnerships aiming to reduce neonatal mortality. In 2023, over USD 500 million was allocated globally toward neonatal diagnostic equipment, with bilirubinometers accounting for approximately 20% of that investment. More than 30 countries initiated public procurement tenders, resulting in the deployment of over 40,000 new bilirubinometer units worldwide. Governments in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa collectively financed over 12,000 units as part of national infant health programs.

Private sector investment has also accelerated. In 2023, more than 15 companies raised funding specifically for neonatal diagnostic innovations, including bilirubinometers. One notable example is a European startup that secured over USD 50 million for the development of AI-integrated portable bilirubin monitors. Venture capital-backed projects accounted for the development of over 20 new models in 2024, with over 6,000 prototype units distributed across clinical trial sites.

International development organizations distributed over 5,500 bilirubinometers through aid packages to low-resource countries. In the Middle East, health ministries allocated funds for neonatal equipment upgrades across 150 hospitals, with 3,200 bilirubinometers installed by Q4 2023. China alone invested over USD 200 million in neonatal screening devices in 2024, expanding hospital coverage to more than 10,000 facilities.

Opportunity exists in mobile health platforms integrating bilirubin testing into digital prenatal and postnatal care solutions. Over 8,000 wearable-compatible bilirubin testing sensors were in R&D pipelines by end-2024. Further, home-use bilirubinometer devices saw a 35% rise in demand, particularly in urban Asia and North America, as outpatient monitoring gains traction. In 2024, more than 12 companies filed patents for consumer-grade bilirubin devices, signaling growth in home diagnostics.

In terms of commercial partnerships, over 25 equipment distributors formed exclusive regional agreements with major bilirubinometer brands in 2023. Distribution networks expanded into more than 80 new markets globally, with Southeast Asia and Central Africa witnessing the highest entry rates. These new geographies represent untapped potential where birth rates exceed 25 per 1,000 population, compared to the global average of 18.

With rising investment in healthcare infrastructure and digital diagnostics, the bilirubinometer market is poised for further growth. In total, over 60 countries launched funding initiatives in 2023–2024, and over 75% of these included direct support for neonatal jaundice diagnostics.

New Product Development

The bilirubinometer market has seen an influx of innovation, with over 40 new products launched globally between 2023 and 2024. Technological advances focused on improving device portability, accuracy, and integration with electronic health systems. In 2024, manufacturers introduced more than 10 compact, handheld bilirubinometers capable of delivering readings in under 5 seconds, enhancing usability in emergency and remote settings.

One of the most notable developments was the release of a solar-powered bilirubinometer, designed for off-grid applications. Over 3,000 of these were distributed to clinics in Africa and Southeast Asia in 2023. These devices eliminated reliance on electrical power, making them ideal for resource-constrained environments. Additionally, manufacturers released models with voice-guided interfaces, aiding healthcare workers in settings with low literacy or limited training. Over 1,500 such devices were installed in India and Bangladesh in 2024.

AI-driven devices have also made significant impact. At least 5,000 bilirubinometers equipped with predictive analytics software were launched, capable of monitoring trends and recommending clinical actions. These AI-enabled systems reduced diagnostic error rates by over 22%, based on field trials across Europe involving over 1,000 neonates.

Another major innovation was the integration of cloud-based data sharing. In 2023, over 4,200 bilirubinometers were sold with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing caregivers to instantly upload data to centralized hospital systems. This feature supports real-time monitoring across neonatal units, especially in high-birth-rate countries such as Indonesia and Nigeria, where over 20,000 births occur daily.

Five Recent Developments

  • Natus Medical: Incorporated launched a next-gen transcutaneous bilirubinometer in Q2 2024 with dual-sensor accuracy and real-time EHR integration, with 6,000 units distributed globally.
  • Drager: introduced an AI-powered bilirubin monitoring system in Q4 2023 with predictive alerts for phototherapy, tested across 400 hospitals in Europe and adopted in over 2,500 neonatal ICUs.
  • MBR Optical Systems: developed a solar-powered bilirubinometer for deployment in off-grid rural hospitals, with over 3,000 units distributed through UNICEF-backed programs by end of 2023.
  • GINEVRI: released a wearable bilirubin sensor for continuous monitoring, suitable for home use, selling over 2,200 units across Japan, South Korea, and Italy during 2024.
  • Apel: launched a multi-test diagnostic device combining bilirubin, glucose, and hemoglobin sensors, installed in over 1,000 public hospitals across Southeast Asia within 6 months of release in early 2024.

Report Coverage of Bilirubinometer Market

The bilirubinometer market report offers comprehensive coverage of global trends, product segmentation, regional demand, investment activities, and competitive landscape in the neonatal bilirubin diagnostics sector. This report spans over 80 countries across five continents and includes analysis from over 150 industry sources, encompassing more than 250 brands and product lines. The analysis considers device type, end-use applications, regional performance, technological adoption, and emerging product categories.

The scope of the report includes detailed profiling of 15 major manufacturers and over 60 secondary suppliers, collectively accounting for more than 180,000 bilirubinometers deployed globally. The report evaluates approximately 60 different product specifications, including optical systems, digital displays, battery efficiency, AI integration, and environmental sustainability indicators. Data from over 500 hospital procurement units, 200 diagnostic labs, and 300 government tenders are included to build market distribution models.

Furthermore, this report provides insights into over 70 international neonatal health programs and more than 25 private investment funds supporting diagnostic innovation. A timeline of 90 months of historical and forecasted market behavior helps stakeholders understand adoption patterns, procurement cycles, and investment return periods. The report also includes demand forecasting by birth volume, covering regions with birth rates exceeding 20 per 1,000 population.

Additionally, the report examines pricing benchmarks across 45 markets and maps over 100 distribution channels used by manufacturers to supply hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, and NGOs. Strategic insights are provided on expansion planning, with over 80 pages dedicated to new opportunity assessment in emerging economies such as Kenya, Bangladesh, and Peru.

This report serves stakeholders ranging from medical device manufacturers and public health policymakers to hospital procurement officers, venture capital firms, and neonatal NGOs seeking actionable intelligence into the bilirubinometer market.


Frequently Asked Questions



The global Bilirubinometer market is expected to reach USD 157.61 Million by 2033.
The Bilirubinometer market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.5% by 2033.
Advanced Instruments Inc., Apel, AVI Healthcare, Beijing M&B Electronic Instruments, DAS srl, Drager, GINEVRI, Heinen und L?wenstein, MBR Optical Systems, Mennen Medical, Micro Lab Instruments, Natus Medical Incorporated, Reichert Technologies - Analytical Instruments, Xuzhou Kejian Hi-tech, Zhengzhou Dison Instrument And Meter
In 2024, the Bilirubinometer market value stood at USD 115.69 Million.
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