POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Birthplace has implemented a test to detect critical congenital heart disease in newborns. “Having an easy, reliable test for CCHD in newborns is critical to …
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POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Birthplace has implemented a test to detect critical congenital heart disease in newborns.
“Having an easy, reliable test for CCHD in newborns is critical to saving lives,” said Kimberly A. Ferree, clinical nurse manager of the Birthplace.
The test, known as pulse oximetry, is administered by taping a tiny sensor to the baby’s foot. The sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the baby’s blood. If a congenital abnormality is detected, the newborn can receive appropriate advanced care.
“We have all the pieces to ensure the testing is performed accurately and that babies who need further care receive it quickly,” she said.
CCHD is the leading cause of infant death due to birth defects, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Babies born with CCHD may appear healthy, but will need surgery or other procedures within the first year of life in order to avoid life-threatening complications.
Pulse oximetry testing has been proven effective for CCHD if performed when the newborn is twenty-four hours old.
“Even though CCHD is rare, if we can prevent the heartache of losing even one infant to CCHD the testing is well worth it,” said Ferree.
The state legislature has mandated that testing be in place by the end of 2013, hospital staffers said.