BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice is observed in 60% of healthy term neonates and about 80% of preterm neonates in the first week of life. Unconjugated jaundice affects the central nervous system and results in kernicterus which causes permanent neurological sequel. So, the importance of early prediction of neonatal jaundice has become important to identify the newborns who intend to develop jaundice.