Pulse Oximetry Guidelines

Pulse oximetry determines oxygen saturation in arterial blood by calculating the light absorption of oxygenated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin. This diagnostic procedure uses a probe and computer monitor to display an estimated level of oxygen saturation.

Procedures

• Pulse oximetry consists of a computerized monitor that is connected to a probe attached to a patient's toe, finger, ear lobe or nose. The monitor displays an estimate of the percentage of the patient's hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. The display is a calculated estimate and the patient may still require more exact assessments.

Common Uses

• This procedure has a number of uses. It can be used to determine therapeutic oxygen requirements, and to check the effectiveness of ventilation therapy and oxygenation. Pulse oximetry can also detect the deprivation of oxygen to a region of the body, known as hypoxia.

Accuracy

• The accuracy of the oximeters used to measure pulse oximetry can vary greatly. This is likely due in part to different mathematical algorithms used in the equipment's processors. Also, the difference in probes can affect the results.