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Accuracy of pulse oximetry during moderate exercise: a comparative study.
J C Barthélémy1, A Geyssant, J Riffat
1Exploration Fonctionnelle Cardio-Respiratoire, CHU Nord Saint-Etienne, Saint Priest en Jarez, France.
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|September 1, 1990
Summary
This study evaluated eight pulse oximeters (PO) for accuracy during exercise. Results show significant differences in precision, with some devices exhibiting higher accuracy and lower error dispersion than others.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Measurement
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Pulse oximetry is crucial for monitoring arterial oxygen saturation.
- Variability in pulse oximeter accuracy can impact clinical decisions.
- Artefacts during exercise can mimic typical clinical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of eight different pulse oximeters (PO).
- To evaluate PO performance under realistic clinical conditions with induced artefacts.
- To classify POs based on their error dispersion and precision.
Main Methods:
- Accuracy was assessed by calculating error on saturation (EOS) between non-invasive (SpO2) and invasive (SfO2) measurements.
- Lehmann analysis was used to calculate an index of homogeneity of EOS (InH) for error dispersion.
- Statistical comparison of InH standard deviation (SD) classified POs into subgroups.
Main Results:
- Eight pulse oximeters were clearly separated into two statistically different subgroups based on accuracy.
- High precision subgroup (InH SD +/- 1.6 to +/- 1.9% SaO2): Datex Satlite, Physiocontrol 1600, Radiometer Oxi.
- Low precision subgroup (InH SD +/- 2.8 to +/- 5.0% SaO2): Nellcor 200, Ohmeda 3700, Novametrix 505, Kontron 7840, PPG-Hellige.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in accuracy and error inhomogeneity exist among pulse oximeters.
- Some POs demonstrate superior precision, essential for reliable clinical monitoring.
- The influence of error drift with SfO2 requires separate consideration.