A method for quantitative determination of bilirubin is disclosed. The method comprises bringing a bilirubin-containing aqueous liquid sample into contact with a hydrophobic bilirubin extracting composition containing a hydrophobic amine capable of extracting bilirubin. The amine extracts the bilirubin in said aqueous liquid sample. Photometry is then used to determine the concentration of bilirubin extracted with the bilirubin extracting composition. A device for use in this method is also disclosed. The device has a layer containing a hydrophobic bilirubin extracting composition containing a hydrophobic amine capable of extracting bilirubin.