PULSE OXIMETRY

DEFINITION OF PULSE OXIMETRY

 Most essential monitors for routine use in anesthesia

and intensive care.
 An EASY and PAINLESS test measuring the oxygen
level ( Oxygen Saturation 5th vital sign ) of the blood,
heart rate and gives an idea of tissue perfusion by
pulse wave form
 A clip like device called probe placed on the body
part ( Finger or Ear Lobe )
 Probe : uses light to measure oxygen in the blood
 Information indicator if patient needs extra oxygen
PARTS OF THE OXIMETER
 HOW DOES A PULSE OXIMETER WORK

 Infrared light is absorbed by the  Detect HYPOXIA ( too little oxygen to

oxyhemoglobin while the red light is fulfill the needs of the brain and body )
sabsorbed by the reduced before cyanosis ( bluish discoloration
hemoglobin of the skin and mucous membranes )
 Amount and type of light transmitted
through the tissue is converted to a
digital value representing the
percentage of hemoglobin saturated
with oxygen.
INDICATIONS FOR PULSE OXIMETRY

 Undergoing surgical procedure under general

anesthesia
 Undergoing susrgical procedure under
conscious sedation
 Emergency situations : loss of consciousness,
trauma
 After surgery during recovery phase
 TYPES OF PULSE OXIMETRY

TRANSMISSIVE APPLICATION MODE

Most common application mode
Sensor device placed on the thin part of patient’s body : fingertip
or earlobe

REFLECTANCE PULSE OXIMETRY

Less common alternative eto transmissive pulse oximetry
Does not require a thin section of the body
Universal application : feet, forehead and chest
 SPECIFIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

 Heart Attack
 Heart Failure
 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD )
 Anemia
 Lung Cancer
 Asthma
 Pneumonia
 LIMITATIONS OF PULSE OXIMETRY
( INACCURATE OR UNRELIABLE READING )

Poor Circulation
Cool Skin Temperature
Dark Nail Polish
Low Perfusion State
Anemia
Tobacco Usage
Patient Motion
PULSE OXIMETER RETURN
DEMONSTRATION

https://youtu.be/DwTpMvQ1guE