Pulse Oximetry

I've referred to Maddie's 02 levels or sats many times on this blog. For those of you who don't have to worry about this number and it doesn't dictate to how your child is doing, you're probably unfamiliar with it. A normal, healthy individual has oxygen saturations of 98-100%, above 95% is considered normal. A pulse oximeter is used to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. It's a painfree test, a little lighted band is wrapped around the end of a finger or toe, like a band-aid. It also measures the heart rate as well. Maddie's oxygen saturation levels are low: 74-76%. This is because her blood still mixes in her heart's anatomy. So she doesn't get "pure" oxygenated blood pumped out to her organs and body like most of us. She appears a little bluer, which is called Cyanosis, and her lips, fingernails & toenails usually have a purple tinge to them. She tires more easily and her stamina is low, especially the more her sats dip. After her third surgery, her O2 levels should improve (hopefully in the 90's) and she'll "pink" up. We look forward to that day!

Many babies born with CHD, even complex types of CHD, are undetected until they're in major distress or after it's too late. We were so fortunate to know about Maddie's heart prenatally. This is why the simple test by a pulse oximeter for all newborns could save so many lives and change the outcome of many. It's a quick and painless test, takes less that ten seconds and is inexpensive. The blood oxygenation level could tell a lot...if it's below 90%, a follow-up test would be needed like an EKG or Echocardiogram. Before taking our baby home from the hospital, many routine tests are done. Why not an oxygen saturation test using a pulse oximeter? It could change the outcome of so many. You can read more about pulse oximetry screening on newborns here.