CCHD Screening

On September 21, 2011, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, endorsed adding newborn screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) to the recommended uniform screening panel used in each state. CCHD includes hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia, tetralogy of Fallot, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, transposition of the great arteries, tricuspid atresia, and truncus arteriosis. These conditions were chosen for screening because early detection leads to decreased morbidity and mortality.

To help with implementation, an expert panel developed a plan, including a screening algorithm for pulse oximetry. Also see Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease: Preliminary Recommendations from an Expert Panel Workgroup, January 2011.