Abstract
The Nellcor 100C pulse oximeter was studied with the following objectives: 1) to compare its reading with functional and fractional arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), and 2) to establish 95% prediction intervals for individual pulse oximeter readings. Four arterial samples were obtained from each of 16 neonates less than 7 days of age, and compared to simultaneous pulse oximeter readings. Fetal hemoglobin was quantified on each infant (range 19-99%). Fractional SaO2 was measured on the IL 282 co-oximet.er and corrected for carboxyhemoglobin (Clin Chem 1983;29: 1555) .Fractional SaO2 was converted to functional SaO2:
We found: 1) the pulse oximeter reading was closer to fractional SaO2 (p< 0.001). Agreement must be reached on whether to use fractional or functional SaO2 as the gold standard with which to compare pulse oximeter readings. 2) The width of the prediction interval was 12-13%. Thus with a reading of 90%, the SaO2 could be as low as 85%, or as high as 98%. The wide span of this prediction interval must be considered when using the pulse oximeter to control oxygen therapy in neonates.
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Hodgson, A., Horbar, J., Sharp, G. et al. EVALUATION OF PULSE OXIMETER ACCURACY IN NEONATES. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 201 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00207
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00207