Audit on implementation of neonatal pulse-oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease at neonatal units of District General Hospital - Kalutara

Pulse-oximetry screening was introduced in Sri Lanka in 2015, as a universal newborn screening for Critical Congenital Heart Diseases (CCHD),that are undetectable by clinical examination. The objective was to assess the implementation of standard protocol in CCHD screening. A pretested interviewer-administrated questionnaire was used to collect data while directly observing the procedure. Standard recommendations of the American Academy of Paediatrics were used. Screening was done in 133 (76%). 70% were screened after 24 hours of birth. Non- adjustable adult probe was used and it was not applied properly in all cases. Saturations were checked in two limbs in 85% and four limbs in rest.Suspicious result (19) only interpreted by a medical officer without standard interpretations. Despite of the high screening rate, standard recommendations were not followed in most.