Newborn Babies Should be Checked for Heart Defects - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Newborn Babies Should be Checked for Heart Defects

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A major new study suggests newborn babies should be screened for heart defects.

British researchers say a non-invasive test called pulse oximetry is an accurate, and cost-effective screening tool for heart defects.

The test uses a sensor placed on the baby's foot that measures the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood stream.

Newborns often show no visible signs of heart defects.

The condition can be fatal if not treated right away.