oxyhaemoglobin dominates in the blood SaO2 A parameter measured by CO-oximeter The ratio of oxyhaemoglobin over all types of haemoglobin SpO2 A parameter measured by pulse-oximeter The ratio of oxyhaemoglobin over the concentration of oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin CO-oximeter measuring SaO2 Traditional way of measuring oxygen saturation in arterial blood Measurement taken on several wavelengths of light Achieved with the usage of blood gas analyzer Pulse-oximeter measuring SpO2 Non-invasive way of oxygen level measurement Both transmission mode and reflection modes available Transmission : fingertip, earlobe Reflection : forehead, cheek, calf, thigh Poorer SNR occurs at reflection mode Most-commonly dual-wavelength method used Malfunction of pulse- oximetry Consider a heavy smoker with 15% COhb Pulse-oximeter is unable to distinguish between COhb and HbO2 In the case where SaO2 is 84% ◦ A result of 99% SpO2 will be shown ◦ The reading is heavily affected ◦ Situation of user endangered when wrong action taken Summary of pulse oximetry Measure blood saturation levels. Unable to detect tissue hypoxia as a result of anaemia Unable to distinguish the dysfunctional haemoglobins – over estimate SaO2 level Not an accurate devise.. Yet good indicator of saturation and desaturation level More reliable if reflective probe used to tape to the body Digital version not necessarily better than analogue one Summary of pulse oximetry Venous pulsation artificially lower than SaO2 A guide to peripheral circulation Aim to keep levels above 95% Action taken quickly if below 90%