Screening with Pulse Oximetry for Early Detection of Neonatal Hypoxemia

Abstract

Neonatal hypoxemia is sometimes difficult to detect. Therefore, it is sometimes challenging to diagnose critical congenital heart defects and other hypoxemic conditions before the infant becomes seriously ill. Screening with pulse oximetry is a noninvasive and inexpensive valuable method for early detection of these conditions. Establishing a protocol for all newborns saves lives and decreases morbidity without increasing costs.