Effect of recording site on pulse oximetry readings
Barnett, E.; Duck, A.; Barraclough, R.
Nursing Times 108(1-2): 22-23
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-7762 PMID: 22428284 Document Number: 662849
Ambulatory oxygen requirements are routinely assessed and titrated using portable finger pulse oximetry. However, movement artefacts from hands moving or reduced circulation may adversely affect the accuracy of measurement. At Wythenshawe Hospital, we decided to use an ear oximeter routinely in addition to the finger oximeter. To evaluate and compare the use of portable oximetry measurements taken from the ear and finger during ambulatory assessments. Before, during and after a six-minute walking test, 304 patients had ear and finger pulse oximetry measurements recorded. There was a significant difference between ear and finger measurements before and after exercise (p=<0.001 for both). The differences would have altered the clinical outcome in 27% of those assessed.