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Content: 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. But an interagency coordinating committee on newborn screening is further examining the issue and should be submitting a plan to the HHS secretary shortly. The American Heart Association (AHA) views pulse oximetry testing of newborns as an effective and inexpensive tool to assist in diagnosing CHD. A large scale study recently performed in the United Kingdom supports pulse oximetry screening for newborns. The United States has not had a study of comparable size to date. Three states (New Jersey, Maryland, and Indiana) have passed legislation requiring pulse oximetry screening of all newborns.