Programs
Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screening
Pulse oximetry screening is a fast and painless procedure that measures the amount of oxygen in your baby’s blood. Low oxygen levels can be a sign of a critical congenital heart defect or other conditions such as breathing problems or infections. Pulse oximetry screening uses sensors placed on the baby’s skin (typically the hand and foot) to determine the amount of oxygen in the blood.
For the most accurate results, pulse oximetry screening should be performed when your baby is at least 24 hours old. You will be notified of your baby’s pulse oximetry result by a member of your baby’s healthcare team performing the test.
If your baby does not pass the screen, your baby’s care provider will arrange for further testing and evaluation to determine if your baby has CCHD. Additional testing may include:
- A repeat pulse oximetry screen.
- An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart).
- An electrocardiogram (tests the heart’s electrical activity).
- A chest x-ray.
If any of the results from the additional testing are of concern for a defect, then your baby may need to see a pediatric cardiologist (a heart specialist). Babies with critical congenital heart disease need surgery within the first year of life. Each baby with critical congenital heart disease will require a unique treatment plan developed for their particular heart defect.
Heart Smart: CCHD Screening for Parents
Pulse oximetry screening does not detect all cases of CCHD. It is important your baby receives regular checkups with a doctor. You can watch your baby’s H.E.A.R.T. for signs of CCHD:
Heart rate – beating too fast or too slow?
Energy – overly sleepy or agitated?
Appearance – pale or blue skin?
Respiration – breathing too fast or too slow?
Temperature – cold to the touch?
Early Intervention
While prenatal ultrasounds may detect some cases of critical congenital heart disease, not all are detectable before birth. Without screening shortly after birth, babies with critical congenital heart disease are sometimes sent home without care because they appear healthy. These babies can develop serious health problems at home, often requiring emergency care. However, if critical congenital heart disease is detected early, infants can be treated and lead healthier lives.
Special Health Care Needs (SHCN)
The Kansas Special Health Care Needs Program promotes the functional skills of persons who have or are at risk for a disability or chronic disease. SHCN provides specialized services to infants, children, and youth up to age 21 who have eligible medical conditions. SHCN offers Care Coordination to any family affected by medically eligible conditions (including CCHD).
Visit the Special Health Care Needs Program page for more information: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/747/Special-Health-Care-Needs
FAQs: Pulse oximetry screening
What can pulse oximetry screening detect in newborns?
Pulse oximetry screening is a quick and painless procedure that measures the amount of oxygen in your baby’s blood. The test is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes. Low oxygen levels can be a sign of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) or other conditions such as breathing problems or infections. Your baby will not pass if they have a low oxygen level or if there is a 3 percent difference between the reading in your baby’s hand and foot.
How will I be notified of the results?
You will be notified of your baby’s pulse oximetry result by a member of your baby’s health care team performing the test. If your baby does not pass the screen, your baby’s provider will arrange for further testing and evaluation to determine if your baby has critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). Additional testing may include:
- A repeat pulse oximetry screen.
- An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart).
- An electrocardiogram (tests the electrical activity of the heart).
- A chest x-ray.
Depending on the results of follow-up testing, your baby may need to see a pediatric cardiologist (heart specialist).
What if my baby does not pass screening?
The first step is to repeat the pulse oximetry screening in an hour. If your baby fails the rescreen, a complete physical examination will be completed to determine why your baby did not pass the screening. If required, your baby’s doctor will schedule an echocardiogram to confirm or rule out the initial CCHD screening results. There may be several reasons, including respiratory problems or infections.
Can a newborn pass the pulse oximetry screen and still have CCHD?
Yes. Pulse oximetry screening does not detect all cases of CCHD. It is important your baby receives regular checkups with a primary care provider and that you watch for signs of CCHD.
Why is pulse oximetry screening important?
CCHD refers to heart defects that need to be fixed early to help prevent other health problems. While prenatal ultrasounds may detect some cases of CCHD, not all can be detected before birth. Without screening shortly after birth, babies with CCHD are sometimes sent home without care because they appear healthy. These babies can develop serious health problems at home and often require emergency care. However, if CCHD is detected early, infants can receive treatment, leading to better outcomes.