What Happens If My Baby Fails the Pulse Oximetry Test?
Sometimes, a baby’s oxygen level is lower than it should be. This is called failing the pulse oximetry screen. Low oxygen can happen for many reasons, including a serious heart problem called Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD).
If your baby fails the screening, a doctor will check your baby and may order a special test called an echocardiogram to look at the heart.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a test that takes pictures of the heart using sound waves. It’s also called a heart ultrasound. This test shows how the heart looks and how blood flows through it.
A trained technician will gently place a small device (called a probe) on your baby’s chest. This works just like the ultrasound you may have had during pregnancy.
- The test doesn’t hurt
- It is safe
- There are no side effects
- It is non-invasive, which means no needles or surgery
Where Will the Test Be Done?
Many hospitals in Wisconsin can do echocardiograms on newborns.
If your hospital doesn’t offer the test, your baby may be sent to another hospital that does.
Who Looks at the Results?
A heart doctor for children, called a pediatric cardiologist, will look at the results of the echocardiogram.
- If there isn’t a pediatric heart doctor at your hospital, the test results will be sent electronically to one who can read them.
- Your baby’s doctor and the heart doctor will work together to understand the results and decide what care your baby might need.
Sometimes babies don’t pass the CCHD screening because of issues that aren’t directly related to their hearts. These problems can include:
- Issues with their lungs
- Problems with their red blood cells
- Infections
- Other causes that lead to low blood oxygen levels
It’s important to find out about these conditions so that doctors can monitor and treat them properly.
If you have more questions, your health care team is always there to help!
