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In 2011, an algorithm for pulse oximetry screening in newborns to detect critical congenital heart disease was published and subsequently endorsed by medical societies and U.S. federal health agencies (Pediatrics 2011; 128:e1259). The ongoing publication of data from U.S. state-level programs and from national studies in the U.S. and Europe has allowed for a reassessment of the algorithm.
An expert panel met to address five possible changes to the original algorithm:
1. Screen using only lower extremity (postductal saturations of either foot)
2. Change lower limit of saturation cutoff to 95% for both preductal and postductal measurements
3. Eliminate second retest
4. Change the preductal and postductal differential saturation to 2%
5. Earlier scr…