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Content: August 18, 2011

2011-R-0293
PULSE OXIMETRY SCREENING OF NEWBORNS

By: John Kasprak, Senior Attorney
You asked for information on pulse oximetry screening of newborns for congenital heart disease. You are interested in basic information about the procedure; its costs, including equipment and provider time; other states'activities in requiring such screening; and any other relevant information such as research studies. SUMMARY
Pulse oximetry screening is a simple and non-invasive procedure used to measure how much oxygen is in the blood and has been found effective in screening for congenital heart disease (CHD) in newborns. It uses a light source and sensor (probe) to measure oxygen in the blood. Last year, the Advisory Committee on Heritable Diseases in Newborns and Children, which advises the federal Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, recommended that pulse oximetry screening for CHD be added to the uniform screenings for newborns. Citing “evidence gaps,” the HHS secretary did not adopt the recommendation.