TRENTON — New Jersey became the first state in the nation to mandate every newborn will be screened for congenital heart disease, under a bill Gov. Chris Christie signed into law today. The tests, pulse oximetry, or "pulse ox," measures the percent of oxygen in the baby's blood and the effectiveness of the baby’s heart and lungs. A sensor...
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A newborn baby pictured in this file photo at Columbus Hospital in Newark. TRENTON — New Jersey became the first state in the nation to mandate every newborn will be screened for congenital heart disease, under a bill Gov. Chris Christie signed into law today.
The tests, pulse oximetry, or "pulse ox," measures the percent of oxygen in the baby's blood and the effectiveness of the baby’s heart and lungs. A sensor taped to the newborn’s foot beams red light through the foot to measure the blood oxygen content, according to the legislation, (A3744/S2752).
“Before they leave the hospital, the 102,000 babies born in our state each year will now have a simple, painless screening test to ensure that any hidden, but potentially life-threatening heart defects will be detected,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O’Dowd, who is expecting her first child later this month. "We expect the pulse oximetry test to detect about 100 congenital heart defects in infants each year, enabling early treatment and preventing life-threatening injury or death," she said.
Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell, (D-Hudson), the father of a son born with a congenital heart defect, was one of the bill's sponsors. “This measure is about saving lives. Our newborns deserve the best care we can offer them, and pulse ox testing should be included in that care,'' O'Donnell said.
About 100 heart defects a year are detected in newborns in New Jersey, according to a statement from the governor's office.
“As the father of four, I know the birth of a child should be a joyous occasion for parents and family,” said Christie, who signed the bill at St. Clare's Hospital, Denville. “This legislation will help identify infants who may have hidden, serious heart problems before they leave the hospital, making a significant difference in the lives of these babies, their families and their treating physicians.”
