Pulse Oximetry Resources for Professionals
We are here to support healthcare professionals working with babies, children and families affected by congenital heart defects. We work to improve the early detection and treatment of babies with congenital heart disease (CHD) and we recognise the important role that pulse oximetry testing of newborns can have in detection of CHD.
Pulse oximetry testing as a newborn screening tool is an established practice, and one that many countries around the world are now either introducing or considering. In this country, it is currently up to individual hospital trusts to decide whether to offer the test to their patients – with recent research showing around 40% (and increasing) of NHS Trusts are already doing so. We hope this project will accelerate the take-up of the test in the UK. We encouraged parental involvement in the UK National Screening Committee consultation in 2019 and we are disappointed that the result hasn’t been immediately positive. We hope that the NHS will take on-board the in-depth evidence presented by health professionals, and parents, alike, and make a decision that benefits every newborn.
If you have recently introduced the test at your unit then we hope these resources are of use. If you work for an NHS Trust or in a frontline maternity unit that does not currently offer the test, then we may be able to fund machines for you. You can apply for machines here.
Resources
Where have we placed our pulse oximetry machines?
This map shows the maternity units where our funded machines have been placed.
Leaflet for parents
A leaflet to give to parents about their baby’s pulse oximetry test, containing information and links to further reading about the test. If you would like paper copies, please email orders@tinytickers.org.
Sample pathway for pulse oximetry screening
Dr. Vix Monnelly, from NHS Lothian, has shared the Trust’s newborn pulse oximetry screening training package, which you can read here.
Training videos
With thanks to Dr. Ghada Ramadan at Medway NHS Foundation Trust for sharing this video on how to carry out a pulse oximetry test.
Our Test for Tommy campaign
Our Test for Tommy Campaign raises funds to enable us to place pulse oximetry machines in UK hospitals. Named in memory of baby Tommy McKellar, we launched the campaign in 2018, because we believe every baby should have the test that could help save their life.
NHS Trust Pulse Oximetry Application
If you work for an NHS Trust or in a frontline maternity unit that does not currently offer the test, then we may be able to fund machines for you. Please let us know by filling out this application form.
More information for parents
Information written by pulse oximetry expert, Professor Andrew Ewer, explaining the reasons for the test and the possible outcomes.
Submit your impact
By completing this form you are helping us to understand the impact of each pulse oximetry machine(s). This data helps us to report back to our generous funders and understand the impact of our work.
Technical support for Pulse Oximetry
Hospitals using equipment donated by Tiny Tickers can contact Masimo customer support directly with any queries on 01256 479988 or TechService-UK@masimo.com
Useful links
UK National Screening Committee
The Neonatal GIRFT report (includes recommendations on pulse oximetry screening)
*Please note, as per our charitable objectives, pulse oximetry machines are funded by Tiny Tickers for the purposes of assisting with the possible detection of congenital heart disease in newborn babies.