Pulse Oximeters

Pulse Oximeters are monitors that provide real-time measurement of a patient’s pulse rate and arterial oxygen saturation (the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood’s hemoglobin, expressed as a percentage; normal is in the high 90’s). A disposable or reusable probe is placed on the patient’s finger (optional probes can be used on ear or tongue for some units.) The probe emits an infrared light from one side of the finger and captures the residual light that passes through the finger on the other side. The probe transmits this data to the monitor, which calculates the oxygen saturation of the blood. Used for patients with respiratory problems, and is required by law whenever a patient is under anesthesia. Note that these pulse oximeters measure Functional oxygen saturation, which is oxygenated hemoglobin expressed as a percentage of the hemoglobin that is capable of transporting oxygen. In contrast, some other laboratory instruments, such as blood gas analyzers or CO-oximeters, report Fractional oxygen saturation, which also measures dysfunctional hemoglobin. It is therefore not likely that the readings from these devices and the ones on a pulse oximeter will agree.

Most pulse oximeters maintain a certain amount of history in memory, which can be downloaded to computer (this often requires dedicated software). Some, including the Ohmeda Biox 3760P and Invivo 4500+, have integral printers for an instant trend data printout.

Available Pulse Oximeters:

Invivo 4500+ (INV4500+)

Healthdyne 930 (HE930)

Healthdyne 950 (HE950)

Nellcor N-180 (NPN-180)

Nellcor N-200 (NPN-200)

Nellcor N-290 (NPB-290)

Nellcor N-3000 Symphony (NPB-3000)

Nellcor NPB-75 (NPB-75)

Ohmeda Biox 3740 (OH3740)

Ohmeda Biox 3760P (OH3760P)