title: Nordic pulse oximetry screening--implementation status and proposal for uniform guidelines.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Pulse oximetry screening of newborn infants increases early detection of critical congenital heart disease and minimises the risk of circulatory collapse before surgery. This study provides an update on the implementation of pulse oximetry screening in the Nordic countries and proposes standardised guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire exploring pulse oximetry screening, clinical examination routines and availability of echocardiography was distributed to all 157 delivery units in the Nordic countries in June 2013.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We received responses from 156 of the 157 delivery units, and 116 (74%) were using pulse oximetry screening by September 2013. Preductal and postductal screening were both used in 59 of 116 units (51%), with just postductal screening in 51 of 116 (44%) and just preductal screening alone in 6 of 116 (5%). Screening was performed before 24 h in 105 of 116 units (91%). The implementation of screening was highest in Finland (29/30, 97%), Sweden (42/46, 91%) and Norway (43/48, 90%) and lowest in Denmark (2/24, 8%) and Iceland (0/8 units).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In Sweden, Norway and Finland, the implementation of pulse oximetry screening is currently the highest in the world and coverage will be close to 100% in 2014. We propose uniform Nordic guidelines using preductal and postductal screening before 24 h of age.
authors: Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: de-Wahl Granelli
authors: Department of Paediatrics, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
authors: Alf
authors: A
authors: Meberg
authors: Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
authors: Tiina
authors: T
authors: Ojala
authors: Department of Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
authors: Jesper
authors: J
authors: Steensberg
authors: Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital Reykjavik, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.
authors: Gylfi
authors: G
authors: Oskarsson
authors: Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors: Mats
authors: M
authors: Mellander
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000592:standards*; D010092:Oximetry / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Congenital heart disease; Guidelines; Newborn screening; Pulse oximetry