Biomedical instrumentation & technology / Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
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Biomed Instrum Technol · Mar 1990
Comparative StudyA comparison of a new reflectance oximeter with the Hewlett-Packard ear oximeter.
The purpose of this study was to characterize the accuracy and dynamic response characteristics of traditional transmittance pulse oximeters and a new reflectance pulse oximeter with regard to the current standard in oximetry, the Hewlett-Packard ear oximeter. Studies were performed with 15 healthy male and female subjects. A rebreathing technique was employed to produce a steady fall in oxygen saturation and to maintain constant, eucapnic, end-tidal CO2 levels. ⋯ This value was similar to that of the transmittance oximeters (Criticare 501+: 0.92 +/- 2.11), (Physio-Control: 3.15 +/- 2.04), (Ohmeda 3700: 2.05 +/- 2.06). There was virtually no response-time difference between the reflectance oximeter with the sensor placed on the subject's forehead and the Hewlett-Packard ear oximeter. The authors conclude that the accuracy of the reflectance oximeter is within the limits of clinical acceptance for monitoring and trending of arterial oxygen saturation in healthy subjects.