A small number of babies have medical problems that can cause their blood oxygen to be lower than normal - even if they appear healthy when they are born.
The Newborn PulseOx Test helps us identify these babies, so we can offer further tests, and treatment (if appropriate), as early as possible.
The test is harmless and painless and takes under five minutes.
Taking the test
We wrap a small sensor around the baby’s right hand. It is connected to a pulse oximeter, a device which measures blood oxygen levels by shining a light through the baby’s skin.
A second reading is taken with the sensor around the baby's right (or sometimes left) foot. Both readings are necessary.
Test results
Normal oxygen levels
If a baby has normal oxygen levels, no further tests are needed other than routine checks.
However, if you have concerns about your baby's colour, breathing, feeding or the way your baby is behaving after the test, contact your midwife urgently or dial 999 if you are at home.
Lower than normal oxygen levels
Around 3 in every 100 babies have slightly low oxygen levels on the first test.
It is normal for the lungs of some babies to adapt more slowly than others to being born, and these babies are still healthy.
If a baby's oxygen levels are only slightly lower than normal in the first test, and the baby appears healthy, we will do a retest 1 or 2 hours later.
9 out of 10 babies who need a retest will have normal oxygen levels at their second test. It is important for a baby's oxygen levels to be normal before they go home.
Around 3 in every 1000 babies have oxygen levels much lower than expected.
A doctor or specialist nurse will see these babies straight away to find out why their oxygen levels are low.
Further examination and/or treatment
Around 7 in every 1000 babies need further investigations. We may admit them to the Neonatal Unit to find out why their oxygen levels are low. They may have blood tests, X-rays and possibly an ultrasound of their heart (an echocardiogram or 'echo').
Of these babies admitted to the Neonatal Unit:
2 in every 10 will be healthy and will be discharged back to your care in under 12 hours
7 in every 10 will have a breathing problem or infection and will benefit from early diagnosis and treatment
1 in every 10 will have a significant heart problem and will benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.
Home births
All babies born at home will also have a PulseOx test within the first 24 hours of life.
If your baby is born at home, and has oxygen levels slightly lower than normal, we will do a retest. You may need to come to hospital for the retest.
If your baby has oxygen levels lower than normal you may need to come to hospital urgently (for example within the hour), possibly by ambulance.
In hospital, a doctor or specialist nurse will see your baby straight away.
Questions
Your midwife will keep you fully informed at all stages of the PulseOx test process.
If you have any further questions, please ask the team caring for you and your baby.
