Title: 
Headings: 

Content: Pulse oximetry is a simple, non-invasive and painless test that is used to measure the percentage of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the arterial blood and the pulse rate. It was invented in the 1970s and is widely used and accepted in clinical care. The pulse oximetry is placed by a sticky strip (like a band-aid), with a small red light, or “probe” on the baby's foot. The probe is attached to a wire, which is attached to a special monitor that shows the pulse oximetry reading. The test takes a few minutes to perform while the baby is still, quiet, and warm. The probe does not puncture the skin and the measurement can usually be read in 30 to 60 seconds. Why is Pulse Oximetry Used to Screen for CHD? Pulse oximetry is used to measure how much oxygen is in the blood. It is a routinely used test that can be used to monitor a baby's oxygen level during a procedure or treatment and can also be helpful in determining if a baby's heart and lungs are healthy. Pulse oximetry can also help to identify babies with serious heart problems due to low levels of oxygen in their blood.