Pulse Oximetry

Abstract

Pulse oximetry has become the standard of care in operating rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), and hospital wards in the United States and many other nations.1 Before pulse oximetry was available, physicians relied on invasive procedures, such as arterial puncture for blood gas analysis, to identify the presence of hypoxemia. Unlike arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry allows for noninvasive and continuous monitoring of arterial blood oxygen saturation. Although the pulse oximeter is easy to use, the clinician must understand the principles of pulse oximetry and must know how the equipment works in order to interpret the information it provides. . . . .