Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
PURLs: Pulse oximetry for newborns: should it be routine?
Amanda K Swenson1, Dionna Brown, James J Stevermer
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.
Pulse oximetry screening for all newborns before hospital discharge is recommended. This simple test improves the detection rate of critical congenital heart defects, ensuring timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are a significant cause of infant mortality.
- Early detection of CHDs is crucial for improving outcomes.
- Current screening methods may not identify all critical CHDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of pulse oximetry screening in detecting CHDs in newborns.
- To determine if routine pulse oximetry prior to discharge impacts CHD detection rates.
Main Methods:
- A review of existing literature and screening protocols was conducted.
- Analysis focused on studies implementing pulse oximetry for newborn screening.
- Data on detection rates and false positive/negative results were examined.
Main Results:
- Pulse oximetry screening demonstrates a notable increase in the detection of critical CHDs.
- The method is a valuable addition to standard newborn screening protocols.
- Implementation can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Conclusions:
- Routine pulse oximetry screening for all newborns before discharge is strongly supported.
- This screening enhances the identification of congenital heart defects.
- Widespread adoption can significantly improve neonatal cardiac care and reduce mortality.
Related Concept Videos
Pulse Oximetry
Purpose
Average SpO2 values are greater than 95%. If the readings fall below 90%, it indicates that...
Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
Special considerations while measuring pulse
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...

