What measurement technique is mandatory for detecting critical congenital heart disease (CCHD)?

The measurement technique that is mandatory for detecting critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is pulse oximetry on the upper and lower extremities. This method is essential because it helps assess the oxygen saturation levels in a newborn's blood. By comparing the oxygen saturation levels in the upper and lower body, healthcare providers can identify potential abnormalities indicative of CCHD. A significant difference in oxygen saturation levels may suggest that the heart is not effectively circulating oxygenated blood, which is characteristic of certain congenital heart defects.

This non-invasive screening tool is simple to perform and provides valuable information with minimal risk to the infant. In contrast, while heart rate monitoring is important for overall assessment, it does not specifically identify critical heart diseases, and physical examinations cannot reliably detect all types of CCHD. Cardiac ultrasound, although useful in diagnosing congenital heart defects, is not the first-line screening tool applied universally in newborns for CCHD detection in the NICU setting. Therefore, the correct technique for initial CCHD screening is indeed pulse oximetry on the upper and lower extremities.