Critical Congenital Heart Defects (CCHD) Screening
Screens all Alaskan infants for congenital heart defects using pulse oximetry
Overview
Alaska’s Critical Congenital Heart Defects (CCHD) Screening Program screens all newborns for serious heart defects using pulse oximetry.
Some heart defects are not immediately visible at birth. Early detection allows for timely medical intervention and can prevent serious complications or death.
Who qualifies
CCHD screening is required for all newborns in Alaska, regardless of birth setting (hospital, birth center, or home birth).
Additional information about CCHD screening is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
How to sign up
Medical Providers will screen all newborns at hospitals, birth centers, or after home births as per Alaska State law. AS 18.15.205; 7AAC 27.630
Birthing facilities and individual licensed birth attendants are required to report information regarding the screening outcomes in their practice semi-annually to the State of Alaska per 7 AAC 27.635
How to use
- Baby will receive a pulse oximetry screening at around 24 hours of age. This screening is quick, painless, and done by a trained health care professional.
- A small sensor is placed on baby’s hand and foot to measure how much oxygen is in their blood. The results from the hand and foot are compared.
- If the oxygen levels are not within the expected range, or if the numbers are different between the hand and foot, baby may need more testing. This does not always mean there is a heart problem, but it helps health professionals decide if follow-up is needed.