For immediate clinical concerns page the on call Pediatric Cardiologist at 1-608-262-2122, and for technical assistance Monday through Friday during business hours email us at wishine_info@pediatrics.wisc.edu

POX Screening Decision Tool

Pulse Oximetry FAQ

“I understand why it’s important to check for serious heart problems in babies, but what is pulse oximetry screening, and how, when, and where will this screening happen?”“

Pulse Oximetry Screening: Basic Facts

If you have questions that aren’t answered here, or if you want more information about this screening, please ask your doctor or contact the Wisconsin SHINE Project.

Question:Who should be screened?

All babies born in Wisconsin should get checked for serious heart problems, including those in the NICU or born outside of hospitals.

Question:What is Pulse Oximetry Screening?

Pulse oximetry is a quick and painless way to check how much oxygen is in the blood. A special light goes through the skin, and a sensor measures the oxygen level. If a baby has low oxygen levels, they may need more tests to check for serious heart problems.

Question:When should babies be screened?

Lots of healthy newborns may have oxygen levels lower than 95% in their first few hours after birth, as their bodies adjust. By 24 hours after birth, their oxygen levels should be 95% or higher. The screening is most accurate after 24 hours.

If a baby needs extra oxygen when they are born, they should wait until they don’t need it anymore for the screening. If a baby goes home on extra oxygen, they don’t need this screening.

Question:Where should babies be screened? How is this test done?

A pulse oximetry probe will check the oxygen levels in the right hand and in one foot. Checking both places helps us see how well the heart is working to send oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Question:How are babies screened? What is the screening process?

The screen will be done by your nurse between 24-48 hours of life

Your baby has two chances to pass the screening.

Question:How does a baby pass or fail the screen?
PASS If the oxygen level is 95% or higher in the right hand and one foot, and the difference between the hand and foot is 3% or less, the baby passes. No more tests are needed.
FAIL If the oxygen level is less than 90% at any time, this is an immediate fail and the baby needs more tests. If the level is between 90-94% on a repeat check, this is also a fail.
REPEAT If the oxygen level is between 90-94% in the right hand or one foot, or if the difference between the hand and foot is more than 3%, the test will be repeated one hour later. If the level is still between 90-94% or more than 3% difference during the second check, it is considered a fail.