Neonatal Pulse Oximetry Screening

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects in the world. One out of every one hundred births has CHD. Twenty-five percent of these patients have what is called a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD). Patients born with CCHD require surgical intervention within the first year of life. Where there is limited access to diagnostic equipment, it is difficult to diagnose a patient with CCHD. 

Neonatal pulse oximetry screening is a simple, non-invasive test used to detect critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in newborns. Some babies with CCHD may appear healthy at birth, as signs like cyanosis (low blood oxygen) are not always visible to the naked eye. This screening uses a neonatal pulse oximeter to measure the baby’s oxygen saturation (SpO₂), providing insight into how well the heart and lungs are functioning.

Low oxygen levels can be an early indicator of CCHD. By identifying these cases before symptoms develop, pulse oximetry can help save lives through timely diagnosis and intervention.

Beyond individual diagnosis, pulse oximetry screening supports better healthcare system planning, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It helps prioritize care, manage limited resources, and guide triage efforts where clinical infrastructure is limited.

Our mission is to implement neonatal pulse oximetry screening globally—improving early detection of CCHD and supporting equitable healthcare access in underserved regions.

The Neonatal Pulse Oximetry Access Initiative – Envision MedTech seeks to deploy 160 Masimo Rad-G™ neonatal pulse oximeters across strategically selected healthcare facilities throughout Honduras, starting in the northern half. The program is designed to enhance early detection of Critical Congenital Heart Defects (CCHD) and other life-threatening neonatal respiratory and cardiac conditions, especially in low-resource settings, through early pulse oximetry screening.

This initiative is critical in strengthening Honduras's public and private health infrastructure and reducing neonatal mortality through timely, data-driven interventions.

Key goals:

1. Reduction of neonatal mortality and preventable emergencies through early detection of Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) and related complications.

2. Reduction in pediatric readmissions due to missed diagnoses of cardiac and respiratory abnormalities.

3. Generation of national-level patient outcome data to inform public health planning and resource allocation.

4. Develop a replicable model for other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in need.