Pulse oximetry: an improved in vitro model that reduces blood flow-related artifacts

Artifacts may occur in many in vitro models of pulse oximetry due to the optical effects of synchronously oriented and/or deformed erythrocytes. Although these artifacts are most likely negligible in living superficial tissues, they are demonstrated to have considerable influence on the calibration curve obtainable from the in vitro simulation of pulse oximetry in such models, especially at low oxygen saturations. Therefore, we have developed a modified in vitro model which reduces the effect of these artifacts. This is achieved by excluding data obtained during pressure transients and by raising the blood flow velocity. As a result, the model more closely approximates in vivo pulse oximetry, particularly under clinically important conditions of low blood oxygen saturation levels.