OBJECTIVE
To determine oxygen saturation (SpO2) profile in asymptomatic newborns in DR. M Haulussy General Hospital during the first 24-72 hours of age and to assess the impact of birth weight, gender, and mode of delivery on this profile. 


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study from April 2019 to May 2019 in Dr. M Haulussy General Hospital in Ambon. Healthy, full term and post-term newborns aged 24-72 hours underwent clinical assessment and pulse oximetry measurements. Measurements of the preductal (right hand) and postductal (either foot) oxygen saturation of the newborns were taken using a hand-held pulse oximeter. Sensors were placed simultaneously in the preductal and postductal site of the neonate. If oxygen saturation was ? 95%, the measurement was repeated 2 more times. 


RESULTS
A total of 127 newborns underwent SpO2 measurements: 122 newborns had SpO2 ?95% and 5 newborns had SpO2 <95%. The mean preductal SpO2 of all neonates was 97.62% ± 1.3% and was significantly higher than the overall mean postductal SpO2 of 96.06% ± 1.7% (p <0.05). There was no significant SpO2 difference between male and female neonates. The mean birthweight of the neonates was 2,985 grams ± 475 grams, and the birthweight did not affect SpO2 values (p>0.05). No statistical difference was found in neonates born by caesarean section than those delivered vaginally. 


CONCLUSION
The overall mean preductal SpO2 was significantly higher than the overall mean postductal SpO2. There were 5 newborns had SpO2 <95%. The gender, birthweight and mode of delivery did not affect SpO2 values in this study. Future research with larger sample size is needed to determine if the routine pulse oximetry measurements will optimize screening of congenital heart disease in asymptomatic newborns.