Senior Design 2012-2013
Mobile phone-based
detection of neonatal
jaundice
TEAM NAME: MobileMed Enterprises
Christina Baker
Giselle Fontela
Pierce Jones
Brendan Lynch
Sloan Sypher
Chetan Patil, Ph.D.
NCIIA Project Proposal
Abstract:
Neonatal jaundice is a condition that affecting around 60 percent of all newborns and is
characterized by a buildup of the yellow pigment, bilirubin, in the blood. While the jaundice condition
can recede naturally and may not cause any discomfort or harm, high levels of bilirubin associated with
jaundice can cause brain damage or even death if left untreated. In the US, non-invasive screening for
jaundice with an optical bilirubinometer is part of the standard of care, however the cost of these devices
limits their availability to resource-constrained areas of the world. In designing a low-cost, mobile
phone-based bilirubinometer, we aim to:

prototype a software application that measures skin reflectance at 2 wavelengths from a mobile
phone-based camera

ensure safety via built-in functions to quantify adequate camera performance and detection

test the software on a range of commonly available phone models and on infants of various skin
tones that are afflicted with the condition
Introduction:
Neonatal jaundice, or neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, is a yellowing of the skin, appearing in
newborn children with excess amounts of bilirubin in their blood. Bilirubin develops as the byproduct
of normal heme catabolism and, thus, can develop in excess for numerous reasons such as increased red
blood cell volume, increased bilirubin circulation, or ineffective secretion via bile. For most infants,
jaundice develops mostly because of the elevated amounts of unconjugated bilirubin during the first
week; this cause is also referred to as physiological jaundice and can be quite common and oftentimes
even normal.
Although many infants are born with hyperbilirubinemia due to the normal hemolysis of red
blood cells that were necessary for fetal circulation before birth, pathological jaundice can persist in
some infants, causing a much more serious diagnosis, resulting in severe and permanent brain damage or
even death. To be clinically declared as pathological jaundice, there are four main parameters, only one
of which must be met. First, the infant can exhibit jaundice within the first 24 hours or after the first 14
days of life. The second criterion is an increase in bilirubin of more than 8.5 mg/dL per hour. Third,
jaundice is diagnosed if the total concentration of bilirubin is greater 19.5 mg/dL at any point in the
infant’s life. Finally, the fourth measure is if the direct concentration of bilirubin is greater than 2.0
mg/dL. Because of these four parameters, our experiment will focus on children greater than 14 days to
ensure that we are testing for pathological jaundice and not physiological jaundice.
In determining whether or not an infant’s condition can be classified as pathological jaundice or
not, most of the conditions listed above require invasive methods. Another, non-invasive option
for determining jaundice is with an Ingram icterometers which directly measure the yellowness of
the infant’s skin. In the United States, these devices are quite commonplace and are typical in the
standard of treatment of newborns. Because of their cost, however, these devices or far less
available in low-income resources and remote locations. The prohibitive nature of these devices is
especially unfortunate because of how simply jaundice can be treated, infants usually requiring
treatment as simple as extra sunlight or changes in breastfeeding.
In order to supply low-income and low-resource areas with a better standard of care for all
newborn infants, our team has several aims for our project. First, our main goal is to develop a
software application that can determine jaundice within infants using skin reflectance with as few
as two different wavelengths via a mobile-phone camera. Second, we want to ensure safety
through verifying accurate camera performance and detection. Finally, we aim to carry this study
into trial studies, attempting to use the program on several different phone models when looking
at infants afflicted with this condition. Through our research, development, and trials, we hope to
better guarantee higher quality of care for all newborn infants
Team:
Our team consists of five undergraduate seniors: Christina Baker, Giselle Fontela, Pierce Jones,
Brendan Lynch, and Sloan Sypher. All members are majoring in Biomedical Engineering and have
acquired extensive knowledge in various physiological processes, signal analysis, and computer
programming. In fact, one of our group members, Brendan Lynch, has had experience with mobile
phone programming for games and basic applications. He also has a strong background in software
development. Another group member, Giselle Fontela, has had three summers worth of experience in
various kinds of signal analyses in a research laboratory setting. Christina Baker has also acquired signal
analysis skill in a research laboratory setting. Pierce Jones has taken several classes in instrumentation,
medical imaging, and human physiology. He has also has research experience on campus, working in a
clinical setting.
Sloan Sypher has been involved in Searle Systems Biology and Bioengineering
Undergraduate Research Experience (SyBBURE) and has had imaging experience using Image J. Two
group members, Christina Baker and Sloan Sypher, are minoring in Engineering Management. The
knowledge that they have acquired through the required courses for the minor will provide our team
with expertise in development and marketing strategies. In addition to her minor, Sloan has internship
experience with patent search of analogous technologies and mapping of market environments of
competitor products and technologies. It should be noted that as project develops, more specific roles
will be assigned to each group member based on their skills. For further background on each group
member, reference Appendix A.
Our team will be working under Dr. Chetan Patil, a Research Assistant Professor of Biomedical
Engineering. He is a member of the Biomedical Optics Laboratory and has recently been awarded a
grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop this particular project. Mapping of
competitive technologies
History and Context:
Previous Work and Current Progress:
On May 9, 2012, Dr. Patil was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation to test the ability of an adapted mobile phone to diagnose jaundice in newborns in
developing countries.
Dr. Patil is working on testing the flash and detector response of phones commonly available in
the developing countries. The phone’s camera and simple applications are used to detect levels of
bilirubin through the skin, which allows for a diagnosis to be made so that treatment as simple as
increased exposure to sunlight can begin.
Target Market
The target market will depend on the accuracy and sensitivity of the device. Initially the target
market is hospitals, clinics, and expecting family members in resource-constrained settings. Although
for the purpose of our own research and prototyping we will be introducing our product to the local area,
the specific grant from the Gates Foundation, our product will later be introduced to sub-Saharan Africa
and is meant for that area. To this extent, all phones, software, and testing will be geared towards this
ultimate target market of sub-Saharan Africa.
The device being a software package on commonly available mobile phones means that
everyone from the doctors and nurses to the infant’s parents could purchase the software if they have the
right phone. Furthermore, if the device can prove to be on the same order of accuracy as the current
optical bilirubinometer then the target market will increase to areas outside low-resource settings.
Work Plan and Outcomes:
See Appendix B for Gantt Chart.
First, the team must characterize the response curve of the smartphone camera by
conducting a series of tests in the biomedical optics laboratory at Vanderbilt University. Then we
will calculate a logarithm, which normalizes the results to a 1:1 ratio to the white light spectrum. If
need be, lenses will be utilized to select for the specific wavelengths of interest. Then we will
compile data in order to create a Weiner Estimation that will serve as a reference to diagnose
pathological jaundice from the smartphone application. After we have compiled this data, we will
present it to the team of computer scientists that will program the application to run on the
Android platform used on the top smartphones in Sub-Saharan Africa. By the end of the year, the
application should be fully functional and field ready.
Evaluation, Sustainability Plan:
This device would be more sustainable if it were programmed to run on a variety of
different smartphone platforms (iPhone, Android, HTC, etc) so that patients would be able to use
the program on their own device without making the trip to a clinic or physicians office.
Additionally, environmental considerations such as the conservation of paper and other naturally
derived resources should be considered. One such method of conservation would be to administer
diagnoses of positive neonatal jaundice results electronically.
Also, it is important that the
application has an innate trouble-shooting function that sends error reports in order to analyze
bugs in the application before failure occurs.
Budget:
Any necessary funding will be provided for by a $100,000 grant received by Dr. Chetan
Patil from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Appendices:
A.) Group Member Resumes (see attached pages)
Christina M. Baker
Current
PMB 352115
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37235-1234
(305)775-8574
Education
Permanent
7301 Capilla Court
Coral Gables, FL 33143
(305)665-7654
christina.m.baker@vanderbilt.edu
Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN
Bachelor of Engineering, May 2013
Major: Biomedical Engineering; Minor: Engineering Management
Ransom Everglades Upper School
Graduation date: May 2009
Miami, FL
Relevant
Coursework
Biomedical Materials, Tissue Engineering, Therapeutic Bioengineering, Biomechanics, Circuits I and II with Lab,
General Chemistry A and B with Lab, General Physics A and B with Lab, Introduction to Biological Sciences A and B with Lab,
Introductory Programming for Engineers and Scientists, Physiological Transport Phenomena, Differential Equations with Linear Algebra,
Systems Physiology 1 and 2, Medical Instrumentation with Lab, Analysis of Biomedical Data, Technology Strategy, Applied Behavioral Science,
Engineering Economy, Program and Project Management
Work
Experience
Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Miami, FL
Research Assistant, Department of Anesthesiology
June 2012 – August, 2012
 Worked under Dr. Bruce Saltzman to develop a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for the drug dilaudid
 Collaborated with pharmacologist Dr. William Wolowich at Nova Southeastern University to determine dilaudid’s therapeutic range, which led
to implementation in Dr. Saltzman’s practice
 Utilized software programs AnestAssist and Phoenix to aid in the development of the models
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Miami, FL
Research Assistant
May 2011 – August 2011
 Researched under Dr. Justin C. Sanchez, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami and Director of the
Neuroprosthetics Research Group
 Participated in a research study concerning Brain-Computer Interfaces and their applications to rehabilitation treatment methods for paralysis
patients
 Constructed a poster explaining the study and presented it to all researchers and assistants involved in the program
Cinema Equipment and Supplies Miami, FL
Sakes Assistant
June 2010 – August 2010
 Utilized the accounting software Quickbooks to produce sales orders, purchase orders, and invoices
 Provided customer service by answering the phone and greeting potential clients
 Organized and filed customer documents
Honors and
Activities
 Biomedical Engineering Society Member
 National Spanish Honors Society Member (2008)
 Vanderbilt Students Volunteering for Science Member (2009-present)
Teach inquiry-based, hands-on science lessons to middle-school students
 Society of Women Engineers Member
 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Member
Publicity Chair
 Increased presence of the Society on campus by making posters, organizing information sessions, and submitting a calendar of the Society’s
events to the Engineering School’s email list serve
 Kappa Delta Sorority Member – Beta Tau Chapter
Philanthropy Chair
 Hosted an event for 300 potential new members to inform them of our four national philanthropies
 Organized the decoration of a craft by each potential new member to be donated to the Girl Scouts of America in order to promote confidence in
young girls
Ritual Chair
 Arranged and set up for first, second, and third degree initiations
 Emphasized the importance of our historic rituals with monthly reminders and information during our chapter meetings
Skills
Microsoft Office Suite, Matlab, Mathematica, LabVIEW, Spanish: working proficiency, FEMA certified Emergency Manager
Giselle Fontela
Current Address:
1016 18th Ave South
Unit # 505
Nashville, TN 37212
giselle.m.fontela@vanderbilt.edu
(305) 778-6536
Permanent Address:
8825 SW 100 ST
Miami, FL, 33176
Education Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 3.58/4.00
Courses
Anticipated, May 2013
Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Physiological Transport, Systems Physiology, Circuits, Instrumentation, Therapeutic
Bioengnineering, Tissue Engineering, Biostatistics, Biology, Organic Chemistry, Physics
Experience The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, FL Summer 2011 and Summer 2012





Worked with Dr. Christine Thomas in the Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory
In 2011, conducted research experiments on muscle spasms and effects of passive muscle stretch on lasting Hreflex depression in humans
In 2012, conducted research on using an FES system to restore sufficient ankle excursion for walking in rats with
reinnervated lower leg muscles
Designed and developed an intramuscular electrode for EMG recordings in rat leg muscles
After extensive data analysis, summarized research results in an abstract and prepared a poster to present in a
poster session at the conclusion of each summer
University of Miami Neurosensory Engineering Lab, Coral Gables, FL, Summer 2010
Lab Intern

Worked with Dr. Ozdamar and Dr. Bohorquez of the biomedical engineering department

Worked on individual project, using EEG to record and analyze the auditory middle latency response of the brain
to frequency and amplitude modulated auditory signals
The Learning Co-operative, Miami, FL, Summer 2010

Part time editing/proofreading for SAT and ACT practice problems and tests
Leadership Vanderbilt Students Volunteer for Science, September 2009-Present
Team Leader
 Led a group of Vanderbilt students to volunteer on a weekly basis at middle schools to promote an early interest in
science careers, by teaching hands-on science lessons/experiments to middle school students
Alpha Epsilon Delta Society, September 2010-Present
Undergraduate mentor and Service Trip Participant

Mentored a group of younger undergraduate students interested in pursuing a medical career

Participated in a medical service trip to Honduras during my 2012 Spring Break

Trip consisted primarily of one week assisting at clinics and hospitals in Northern Honduras
Vanderbilt Association of Hispanic Students, September 2009-Present
Active Member

Organize and participate in activities and events to spread knowledge and celebration of Hispanic culture on the
Vanderbilt Campus
Pi Beta Phi, January 2010-Present
Philanthropy Round Chair, 2011

Organize the presentation of the chapter’s philanthropic services for the philanthropy rounds of formal recruitment
and volunteer in community service projects organized by the chapter
Scholarship Committee Chair, 2012

Headed a committee in charge of overseeing GPA/scholarship of potential new members
Skills
Fluent in Spanish, Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Matlab, Labview, Mathematica
Current Address:
2000 Grand Avenue
Apartment #410
Nashville, TN 37212
SLOAN SYPHER
Sloan.M.Sypher@Vanderbilt.edu
765-490-0808
Permanent Address:
60 Carrington Court
West Lafayette, IN 47906
EDUCATION
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Minor: Engineering Management
EXPERIENCE
IP Ventured (in conjunction with the University of Kansas)
Intern
August 2012 to Present
· Conduct extensive patent and patent application searches
· Map existing healthcare companies, products and pharmaceuticals in their competitive environment
· Write non-confidential summaries of medical device and pharmaceutical patent disclosures
Griffin Technology
Research Intern
June 2012 to Present
· Deliver a weekly compilation of analyst reports, competitor products, and industry news to the entire company
· Analyze consumer electronic market trend and competitor data for internal deliverables
· Assist colleagues in conducting and analyzing focus groups
Systems Biology and Bioengineering Undergraduate Research Experience (SyBBURE), Vanderbilt Institute for
Integrative Biosystems Research and Education (VIIBRE), Nashville, TN
Microwell Plate Fabrication for the Study of Breast Epithelial Cell
Summer 2011 to Fall 2011
· Designed and created polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microwell plate in order to culture breast epithelial cells
· Studied the distinct microenvironment around single epithelial cell structures as they react to different irradiation
treatments
· Attended weekly journal club meetings and directed one meeting each semester
· Reported and presented scientific progress each semester
Dr. Sophie Lelièvre, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Cancer Center, Purdue Uniersity, West
Lafayette, IN
Undergraduate Research Assistant – Dr. Sophie Lelièvre
June 2010 to August 2010
· Scored Comet assay samples (a measure of DNA damage)
· Analyzed the recruitment of DNA repair proteins at DNA breaks using high-resolution microscopy
· Assisted laboratory members with Western blot, Immunostaining, and molecular cloning techniques
LEADERSHIP
Vanderbilt Students Volunteering for Science, Nashville, TN
Team Leader
Spring 2010 – Present
· Lead weekly interactive science lessons to underserved middle school and elementary students
· Cultivate interest in attending college through question and answer sessions and stimulating activities
V-Squared, Nashville, TN
Mentor
Fall 2012 – Present
· Provide educational and career advising for freshman engineering students
· Coordinate meetings to develop effective study habits, stimulate interest in internship opportunities and expose
students to study abroad experience
Gamma Chi, Nashville, TN
Mentor
Fall 2012 – Present
· Attend a training program in diversity, academic performance, community and personal development
· Counsel a group of twenty first-year students through the Pan-Hellenic recruitment process
· Lead and organize biweekly informational meetings
· Coordinate participation in philanthropic events and recruitment obligations
ACTIVITIES/
HONORS
Dean’s List (2012), Biomedical Engineering Society (2009-2012), Society of Women Engineers (2009-2012), Delta
Delta Delta Sorority (2010- 2012), Relay for Life (2011-2012), GlobeMed (2010-2012), DanceMarathon (2009)
SKILLS/
CERTIFICATES
MATLAB, Mathematica, AutoCAD, Microfabrication, Photolithography, Microscopy, LabVIEW, Image J, JMP-IN,
Patent Search, Competitive Environment Mapping, Technical Writing, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint,
EndNote), FEMA, OSHA, REM
Pierce A Jones
Contact Information
PMB 355412
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37235
Phone: (803) 665-6474
E-Mail: pierce.a.jones@vanderbilt.edu
Education
Vanderbilt University - May 2013
Major: Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 3.435
Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholar
Experience
Vanderbilt University, Research Assistant
December 2011-Present
·
Supervised by Dr. Hak-Joon Sung in a biomedical engineering industry laboratory
·
Investigated the mechanisms behind the degradation of iodine containing biopolymers
·
Discovered the products of the physiological breakdown of heart stent polymers
VU College of Arts & Sciences Tutoring, Tutor
January 2010-January 2012
·
Tutor students in math, physics, chemistry, biology, and French courses
·
Received incredible performance ratings throughout experience
Organizations
Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science, President
August 2009-Present
·
Teach science lessons to children in VU Children’s Hospital and at local public schools
·
Manage all internal affairs for the organization
·
Created a better web-based organizational system
Delta Lambda Phi Social Fraternity, President & Founder
August 2010-Present
·
Social fraternity for gay, bisexual, and progressive men
·
Organize and manage the external affairs for the fraternity
·
Promote growth and brotherhood through recruitment and social events
Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, Brother
January 2010-Present
·
Professional coed fraternity that promotes the pursuit of majors in the field of engineering
·
Organize social, service, and professional development events for fellow brothers
Vanderbilt Programming Board, Chair
January 2010-Present
·
Serve on the committee in charge of late-night programming events for Vanderbilt University
·
Manage and implement late-night events and concerts throughout the school year
B) Gantt
Chart