Accuracy of Pulse Oximetry Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Defects after Home Birth and Early Postnatal Discharge.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) in a setting with home births and early discharge after hospital deliveries, by using an adapted protocol fitting the work patterns of community midwives.

Study Design: Pre- and postductal oxygen saturations (SpO) were measured ≥1 hour after birth and on day 2 or 3. Screenings were positive if the SpO measurement was <90% or if 2 independent measures of pre- and postductal SpO were <95% and/or the pre-/postductal difference was >3%.