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Jaundice or baby kuning is one of the most common conditions in newborn babies. It causes a yellowish tint to a baby’s skin and eyes, and while mild cases often resolve on their own within the first one to two weeks, elevated bilirubin levels can lead to serious complications if left undetected. A timely check is the safest way to confirm whether your newborn needs monitoring or treatment.
At U.n.i Klinik Sandakan, we provide quick, non-invasive baby kuning screening using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer, no needle prick required for the initial reading. Our doctor will assess your baby’s bilirubin level (bacaan kuning bayi) and advise you on the next steps, whether that is continued home monitoring, follow-up testing, or referral for phototherapy treatment.
Neonatal jaundice (bayi kuning) typically appears within the first two to five days after birth. You should bring your newborn to check kuning baby if:
Even if your baby appears well, a routine check for baby kuning within the first week of life provides peace of mind. Many cases of neonatal jaundice show no obvious symptoms in the early stages while checking the bilirubin level is the only reliable way to know your baby’s status.
Our baby kuning screening is designed to be thorough, gentle, and stress-free for both parent and baby. The checkup includes:
Assessment | Details |
Transcutaneous Bilirubin Reading (TcB) | Non-invasive skin scan using a jaundice meter, painless and instant, no blood draw needed for the initial screening |
Physical Examination | Visual and clinical assessment of jaundice spread (Kramer zones), skin colour, hydration, and feeding status |
Feeding & Weight Assessment | Evaluation of breastfeeding adequacy, weight gain, and hydration to rule out breastfeeding-related jaundice |
Bacaan Kuning Bayi Interpretation | Doctor explains your baby’s reading against age-appropriate bilirubin charts, including whether the level is within normal range or requires intervention |
If the bilirubin level is elevated, our doctor will advise on the appropriate next step whether that is increased feeding and sun exposure, a repeat test within 24 hours, or an immediate referral for phototherapy at a hospital with neonatal facilities.
Upon arrival, our staff will record your baby's details including date of birth, gestational age, birth weight, and feeding method. If you have your baby's discharge summary from the hospital, please bring it along as it helps our doctor assess risk factors quickly.
Our doctor uses a transcutaneous bilirubinometer (jaundice meter) to measure your baby's bilirubin level through the skin. The device is placed gently on your baby's forehead or chest, no pain, no needles, and results are available within seconds. This reading gives an accurate estimate of the reading kuning bayi and determines whether a confirmatory blood test is needed.
The doctor will perform a full physical examination, checking for jaundice progression across Kramer zones, signs of dehydration, liver or spleen enlargement, and overall alertness. Feeding patterns and stool colour will also be assessed, as these provide important clues about the type and severity of kuning baby.
Our doctor will explain your baby's bilirubin reading clearly, using age-specific charts to show whether the level falls within the normal range or is approaching a threshold that requires action. You will receive clear guidance on what to watch for at home, when to return for a follow-up, and whether a referral for phototherapy is recommended.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Newborns produce more bilirubin than adults because they have a higher turnover of red blood cells, and their immature liver takes time to process and excrete it efficiently. This is why neonatal jaundice or kuning baby is so common, affecting up to 60% of full-term and 80% of premature babies.
The bilirubin level is measured in micromoles per litre (µmol/L). What is considered safe depends on your baby’s age in hours and whether they have any additional risk factors. As a general guide:
Note: These are general reference values. Your doctor will assess your baby’s reading against age-specific bilirubin nomograms (charts) and clinical context. Never rely on visual assessment alone to determine jaundice severity.
Yes. The initial screening uses a transcutaneous bilirubinometer, a painless, non-invasive device that reads bilirubin levels through your baby’s skin. There are no needles, no discomfort, and results are instant. If a confirmatory blood test is required, only a small heel-prick sample is taken by our trained medical staff using sterile, single-use equipment.
Our clinic follows strict hygiene and infection control protocols. All instruments are sanitised, and examination areas are cleaned between patients. Your baby’s comfort and safety are our top priority throughout the visit.
We understand that bringing a newborn for a medical checkup can feel stressful for new parents. Our team is experienced in handling newborns with care, and our doctor will take the time to answer all your questions so you leave feeling informed and reassured.
Your baby is examined by our qualified doctor. Every checkup includes a thorough clinical assessment, not just a meter reading.
We use a transcutaneous bilirubinometer for painless, needle-free initial screening, instant results with no distress to your baby.
Our doctor explains your baby's bacaan kuning bayi in plain language, shows you the reference chart, and gives you a clear plan whether that is monitoring at home, a follow-up visit, or a hospital referral.
Open Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. No referral needed. Walk in with your newborn or book ahead via WhatsApp for a shorter wait.
Baby kuning typically becomes visible from day two onwards. If your baby was discharged within 24 to 48 hours of birth, a check between day three and day five is recommended. Premature babies or those with known risk factors should be checked earlier.
Normal bilirubin levels depend on the baby's age in hours. For a healthy full-term baby, levels below 200 µmol/L in the first 48 hours are generally considered within the normal range. Our doctor will interpret your baby's reading using age-specific charts and explain whether any action is needed.
If the level is mildly elevated, the doctor may recommend increased feeding, brief supervised sun exposure, and a repeat check within 12 to 24 hours. If the level is significantly elevated or rising rapidly, a referral to a hospital with neonatal phototherapy facilities will be arranged promptly.
Yes. Breastfeeding jaundice occurs when a baby is not getting enough breast milk, leading to dehydration and slower bilirubin clearance. Breast milk jaundice, on the other hand, is caused by substances in breast milk that slow bilirubin metabolism. Both are generally harmless but should be monitored. Our doctor will assess your baby's feeding and weight to determine the type and advise accordingly.
Seek medical attention promptly if the yellow colour spreads below the navel to the legs and feet, if your baby is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake for feeds, if stools are pale or chalky white, if urine is dark yellow or brown, or if your baby develops a high-pitched cry or appears unwell. These may indicate that bilirubin levels have risen to a point requiring urgent assessment.
Yes, jaundice can make some babies sleepier than usual. However, your baby should still wake regularly for feeding and feed well. Seek medical attention promptly if your baby is difficult to wake, refuses feeds, has fewer wet nappies, appears increasingly yellow, or feels unusually floppy.
Concerned about your newborn’s skin colour? Do not wait as early detection is the most effective way to keep your baby safe. Come to U.n.i Klinik Sandakan to check kuning baby and let our doctor assess your baby’s bilirubin level with a quick, painless screening.
