TY - JOUR
T1 - Pulse oximetry
T2 - Principles and limitations
AU - Sinex, James E.
PY - 1999
Y1 - 1999
N2 - The pulse oximeter has become an essential tool in the modern practice of emergency medicine. However, despite the reliance placed on the information this monitor offers, the underlying principles and associated limitations of pulse oximetry are poorly understood by medical practitioners. This article reviews the principles of pulse oximetry, with an eye toward recognizing the limitations of this tool. Among these are performance limitations in the settings of carboxyhemoglobinemia, methemoglobinemia, motion artifact, hypotension, vasoconstriction, and anemia. The accuracy of pulse oximetry is discussed in light of these factors, with further discussion of applications for pulse oximetry in emergency medicine, including both oximetric and plethysmographic operation. The pulse oximeter is an invaluable instrument for emergency medicine practice, but as with any test the data it offers must be critically appraised for proper interpretation and utilization.
AB - The pulse oximeter has become an essential tool in the modern practice of emergency medicine. However, despite the reliance placed on the information this monitor offers, the underlying principles and associated limitations of pulse oximetry are poorly understood by medical practitioners. This article reviews the principles of pulse oximetry, with an eye toward recognizing the limitations of this tool. Among these are performance limitations in the settings of carboxyhemoglobinemia, methemoglobinemia, motion artifact, hypotension, vasoconstriction, and anemia. The accuracy of pulse oximetry is discussed in light of these factors, with further discussion of applications for pulse oximetry in emergency medicine, including both oximetric and plethysmographic operation. The pulse oximeter is an invaluable instrument for emergency medicine practice, but as with any test the data it offers must be critically appraised for proper interpretation and utilization.
KW - Anoxia
KW - Oximetry
KW - Physiologic monitoring
KW - Plethysmography
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U2 - 10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90019-0
DO - 10.1016/S0735-6757(99)90019-0
M3 - Review article
C2 - 9928703
AN - SCOPUS:0032932450
SN - 0735-6757
VL - 17
SP - 59
EP - 66
JO - American Journal of Emergency Medicine
JF - American Journal of Emergency Medicine
IS - 1
ER -