Hospitals across New York State will soon be required to screen newborns for heart defects. Governor Cuomo signed a bill into law that requires all birthing facilities to perform the pulse oximetry test between 24 and 48 hours after birth.

The one-minute, non-invasive procedure screens oxygen levels in the blood. Low levels can indicate a heart defect, which can be corrected by surgery.

The process involves taping a small sensor to a newborn’s foot. Light is beamed at that spot, measuring the oxygen.

The new law takes effect in about six months.

(YWN Desk – NYC)