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Critical Congenital Heart Disease 

• 25% of Congenital Heart Disease is considered “critical”
• Diagnosis now relies on prenatal diagnosis or neonatal signs and symptoms
• Delayed diagnosis of CCHD causes increased morbidity and mortality 

 

Pulse Oximetry Screening

• Pulse Ox screening of newborns can improve the detection of CCHD when combined with a thorough examination.
• Pulse Ox Screening may be performed by a health professional whose scope of practice includes pulse oximetry.
• All babies should be screened prior to discharge from care.
• Pulse Oximetry machines should be approved for neonates and motion-tolerant machines are ideal.
• Pre and Post-ductal saturations should be obtained from the right hand and one foot.
• For the quick guide to screening interpretation click here.
• If the screen is abnormal the baby must be evaluated by the attending clinician.

 

For additional information on Pulse Oximetry Screening please click on the following links :

Critical Congenital Heart Disease Brochure

Pulse Oximetry Screening Brochure

Baby’s First Test Video

Webinar

 

Documenting Screening Results

• Screening results should be entered into the Oz database.
• For additional information on how to document into the Oz Database CIick Here:

 

Screening Protocols

 

Each hospital or birthing center must have established protocols for performing pulse oximetry screening, as well as following up on abnormal screens and babies who are not screened prior to discharge.  Protocols should address the following questions:

 

1. Who will screen and when?

2. Who will be notified of the abnormal screening results?

3. How will the baby be evaluated after an abnormal screening result?

4. Who will enter the data into the electronic database?

5. What is your follow up plan in the event a baby is discharged without a screening? 

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