Comparing fetal pulse oximetry with scalp pH
Johnson, N.; McNamara, H.; Montague, I.; Aumeerally, Z.; Lilford, R.J.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 40(10): 717-720
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 8551475 Document Number: 445504
Objective: To determine whether pulse oximetry has the potential to replace scalp blood pH sampling in infants with abnormal cardiotocographs. Study Design: The average scalp oximetry reading in labor recorded with an experimental N400 system was compared with fetal scalp blood pH. Results: The average oximetry readings were unrelated to the pH of aerobically sampled fetal scalp blood. There was no subgroup of acidemic infants with a low oximetry reading. Conclusion: Pulse oximetry readings with present technology did not reflect scalp pH. The equipment is improving, but at this time pulse oximetry is not a simple alternative for scalp capillary blood sampling.