Large scale application of pulse oximeter and auscultation in screening of neonatal congenital heart disease.

Purpose: To conduct a retrospective evaluation of a large clinical implementation of combined pulse oximeter (POX) and cardiac auscultation as a fast-screening device for congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods: Every newborn in a large maternity healthcare center received auscultation and POX screening within 24 hours after delivery. When an abnormal heart murmur or SpO level was detected, an echocardiogram was ordered to confirm the diagnosis of CHD.