Systems and methods for determining and communicating levels of bilirubin and other subcutaneous substances

A system for monitoring and communicating levels or concentrations of a substance in a patient's skin based on an optical property of the substance, comprising:

• a computing device comprising a memory and a processor;
• a software application stored in the memory of the computing device and configured to run on the processor of the computing device;
• and
• a module in communication with the computing device, said module comprising:
• a data communication capability, wherein the data includes light intensity or wavelength information;
• a light source configured to provide light capable of penetrating the patient's skin to a subcutaneous level;
• a light sensor configured to detect the light from the light source reflected and scattered from the patient's skin including from the subcutaneous level at a single point in time or sequentially at multiple points in time;
• a skin sensor located on the module at a region configured to contact the patient's skin;
• and
• a power source;
• wherein the software application is configured to determine the levels or concentrations of the substance in the patient's skin based on a measurement of light intensity or wavelength from the light sensor;
• and
• wherein the skin sensor is configured to determine whether there is a light-tight seal or sufficient pressure between the module and the patient's skin.

A system for monitoring and communicating levels or concentrations of a substance in a patient's skin based on an optical property of the substance, comprising:

• a computing device comprising a memory, a processor, and a communication capability;
• a software application stored in the memory of the computing device and configured to run on the processor of the computing device;
• and
• a module capable of operating separated and detached from the computing device, said module comprising:
• a wireless or wired data communication capability, wherein the data includes light intensity or wavelength information;
• a light source configured to provide light capable of penetrating the patient's skin to a subcutaneous level;
• a light sensor configured to detect the light from the light source reflected and scattered from the patient's skin including from the subcutaneous level;
• and
• a power source;
• wherein the software application is configured to determine the levels or concentrations of the substance in the patient's skin based on a measurement of light intensity or wavelength from the light sensor of the remote module.