New pulse oximetry gives more dependable readings
New pulse oximetry gives more dependable readings
Motion and light don’t affect accuracy
When the simplest things such as light, movement, and poor perfusion affect a pulse oximeter’s readings, operating room staff must continually check positioning of the equipment to ensure accurate readings.
The greatest advantage of the next-generation pulse oximetry that now is offered by several companies is that you can trust the readings and you don’t have to reposition the equipment during surgery, an action that can compromise the sterile field, says Mark J. Henrich, RRT, staff anesthesia respiratory therapist at Nebraska Health System in Omaha. (See vendors, below.)
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Sampling of next-generation pulse oximeter manufacturers |
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| • | Agilent Technologies, Healthcare Solutions Group, 3000 Minuteman Drive, Andover, MA 01810. Telephone: (800) 934-7372 or (978) 687-1501. Fax: (978) 794-7646. Web: www.healthcare.agilent.com |
| • | Mallinckrodt, 675 McDonnell Boulevard, P.O. Box 5840, St. Louis, MO 63134. Telephone: (800) 635-5267 or (314) 654-2000. Fax: (314) 654-3136. Web: www.mallinckrodt.com |
| • | Masimo Corp., 2852 Kelvin Ave., Irvine, CA 92614. Telephone: (949) 250-9688. Fax: (949) 250-9686. Web: www.masimo.com |
| • | Novametrix Medical Systems, Five Technology Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492. Telephone: (800) 243-3444 or (203) 265-7701. Fax: (203) 284-0753. Web: www.novametrix.com |
| • | Siemens Medical Systems, Electromedical Division, 16 Electronics Ave., Danvers, MA 01923-1047. Telephone: (800) 333-8646 or (978) 907-6300. Fax: (978) 907-6359. Web: www.siemensmedical.com |
Although the technology utilized in next-generation pulse oximetry is the same as conventional oximetry, enhancements enable next-generation oximetry to filter artifacts such as motion and light to produce more accurate readings, says Jim Keller, director of ECRI Health Devices in Plymouth Meeting. The October 2000 issue of Health Devices contains a review of one company’s next-generation pulse oximetry. (See "Sources and resource," at the end of this article, for ordering information.) A follow-up review of other companies’ products is planned for the end of 2001, says Keller.
Next-generation technology does provide more accurate readings in situations in which there is motion, such as a trembling finger, says Keller. "Accuracy is also improved in cases of low peripheral vascular pressure, as well," he adds. Both of the situations are common in any surgical recovery rooms, he points out.
Costs of the new oximeters can range from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on what equipment the same-day surgery program already has in place, says Keller. "In some cases, a vendor may be able to simply change the internal components of a stand-alone pulse oximetry unit, but if the oximetry unit is built into the anesthesia system, it may be more difficult," he explains. The best way to evaluate your cost is to contact a vendor to review your equipment, he adds.
Check pulse oximeter differences carefully
Enhancement of your pulse oximetry capability is not just a cost issue, says Henrich. "Although we had a limited budget, we wanted to give the best care to our patients," he says. "We bought four of the next-generation oximeters initially and used them for patients who might experience low perfusion or tremors during surgery," he explains.
If you consider purchasing next-generation oximetry, make sure you evaluate the technology of each vendor side-by-side, says Henrich. "Few vendor representatives are happy when you want their equipment set up next to someone else’s for evaluation, but it is imperative," he says. "Sometimes the differences with new oximeters are so slight you won’t notice them if you evaluate one a few weeks after another."
When you change pulse oximeters, let everyone in the operating room or recovery area know that the "tones" are different from the sounds to which they are accustomed, says Henrich. "We’ve spent years listening to the same noises that are now part of the normal background when we’re working," he points out. "The new noises are not objectionable, just different, so you need to alert people to the change."
Sources and resource
For more information about next-generation pulse oximetry, contact:
• Mark J. Henrich, RRT, Staff Anesthesia Respiratory Therapist, Nebraska Health System, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 44th and Emile, Omaha, NE 68198.
• Jim Keller, Director, Health Devices, ECRI, 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298. Telephone: (610) 835-6000, ext. 5279. Fax: (610) 834-1275. E-mail: [email protected].
The October 2000 issue of Health Devices, which contains an evaluation of next generation pulse oximetry, costs $250, but discounts are available to members of some ECRI programs and for multiple-copy sales. To order, or to find out about the follow-up review that is scheduled for the end of 2001, contact: ECRI, 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298. Telephone: (610) 835-6000. Fax: (610) 834-1275. Web: www.ecri.org.
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