When is it recommended to perform universal pulse oximetry screening on infants?

Universal pulse oximetry screening is a crucial practice in detecting critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) in infants, and it's recommended to be performed within a specific timeframe to ensure accurate results. The correct choice indicates that screening should take place after 24 hours of age.

This timing is essential because performing the test too early can lead to false negatives. At birth and in the early hours of life, an infant's circulatory and respiratory systems are still adapting to life outside the womb. By waiting until after 24 hours, the test allows for a more reliable assessment of the infant's oxygenation status and can more accurately identify any potential cardiac issues, thereby reducing the risk of missing critical conditions that might require immediate intervention.

In contrast, other options suggest administering the screening either immediately after birth or within the first few hours, which may not account for the physiological changes that occur as the infant stabilizes over the first day of life. Thus, the recommendation emphasizes waiting until after 24 hours to maximize the test's efficacy in identifying heart defects.