Jaundice or yellowing in babies is a common condition that often occurs in the first few days of a newborn’s life. This condition is marked by a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The main cause is an increased level of bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells that has not yet been efficiently processed by the baby's still-developing liver.

PRAMITA friends need to know that while mild jaundice is physiological and may resolve naturally, some cases can signal more serious conditions, such as infections, blood disorders, or enzyme deficiencies. Therefore, laboratory testing becomes an important step to accurately and promptly identify the cause of jaundice.

Here are the recommended tests for diagnosing jaundice in infants:

Total, Direct & Indirect Bilirubin
This test measures the total amount of bilirubin and separates it into direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) forms. It helps differentiate physiological jaundice from other medical causes.

 Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin levels provide vital insight into the possibility of anemia, which can result in increased red blood cell breakdown and elevated bilirubin levels.

Reticulocyte Count
This measures the number of young red blood cells. A high count may indicate that the baby's body is actively replacing cells being destroyed (hemolysis).

 G6PD Screening
This test detects enzyme deficiencies that can lead to excessive red blood cell breakdown—one of the main causes of severe jaundice in infants.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Provides a comprehensive overview of the baby's blood status, including signs of infection or blood disorders that may cause jaundice.

Blood Type & Rhesus Factor
Important to detect incompatibility between the mother’s and baby’s blood types, which can trigger red blood cell destruction and bilirubin rise.

With this complete test package, jaundice can be quickly and accurately diagnosed. The sooner the cause is identified, the better the treatment.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Invite PRAMITA friends to get a full laboratory check-up at PRAMITA, for the health and comfort of your little one.