Electrocardiogram shows reliable heart rates much earlier than pulse oximetry during neonatal resuscitation.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the three-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) during neonatal resuscitation.

Methods: Both pulse oximetry (PO) and ECG were applied immediately after delivery to measure heart rate (HR). We reviewed video recordings of the respective monitors, and checked the time at which each monitor started to display reliable rate values.