Pulse oximetry in clinical forensic practice.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Medical Devices
• Physiology

Background:

• Forensic medical examiners encounter diverse patient populations in challenging environments.
• Accurate and rapid physiological measurements are crucial for forensic assessments.
• The utility of portable digital pulse oximeters in forensic settings requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness and reliability of a handheld digital pulse oximeter for forensic medical examinations.
• To determine the success rate of obtaining oxygen saturation readings in a forensic patient cohort.
• To assess the clinical significance of readings obtained by the device in this context.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 270 consecutive patients examined by a forensic medical examiner.
• Utilized a handheld, battery-operated digital pulse oximeter to obtain oxygen saturation readings on room air.
• Documented reasons for failure to obtain readings and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Oxygen saturation readings were successfully obtained in 236 out of 270 patients (87%).
• Lack of patient cooperation was the primary reason for unsuccessful readings (26/34 patients).
• Of the successful readings, 234 were 95% or higher; two lower readings (83%, 93%) indicated serious conditions (opioid overdose, pneumonia).

Conclusions:

• Modern handheld digital pulse oximeters are valuable tools for forensic medical examiners.
• The device demonstrates high success rates and provides clinically relevant data in challenging field conditions.
• Pulse oximetry should be considered an essential component of a forensic medical examiner's equipment.