What test is used to check for congenital heart disease in newborns?

• A. Hearing screening
• B. Pulse oximetry
• C. Blood glucose monitoring
• D. ABO incompatibility test

Answer: (B)

The test utilized to identify congenital heart disease in newborns is pulse oximetry. This non-invasive screening method measures the levels of oxygen saturation in the blood. In cases of congenital heart disease, particularly those involving cyanotic defects, the oxygen levels can be significantly lower than normal. By placing a small clip on the baby's finger or toe, pulse oximetry provides immediate feedback on how well oxygen is being transported in the blood.

Newborns are often screened using pulse oximetry before they are discharged from the hospital. A reading below a certain threshold can indicate potential heart defects, prompting further evaluation. This test is particularly important because many heart defects can be asymptomatic initially and might not be detected through physical examination alone.

In contrast, the other tests listed, although important in their respective areas, do not specifically assess for congenital heart disease. Hearing screenings focus on auditory capabilities, blood glucose monitoring helps manage metabolic conditions like hypoglycemia, and the ABO incompatibility test checks for blood type compatibility between mother and infant, which is unrelated to heart defects. Thus, pulse oximetry stands out as the appropriate screening tool for detecting congenital heart disease in newborns.