Related Experiment Videos
Definition and notation of hemoglobin oxygen saturation.
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Pulse oximeters measure arterial oxygen saturation (SO2), not oxyhemoglobin fraction (FHbO2). Using distinct symbols like SpO2 can obscure this, so only SO2 should be used for accuracy checks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Automated multiple wavelength photometers can measure both oxygen saturation (SO2) and oxyhemoglobin fraction (FHbO2).
- Pulse oximeters are designed to measure arterial SO2.
- Confusion between SO2 and FHbO2 can arise from photometer outputs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the distinction between oxygen saturation (SO2) and oxyhemoglobin fraction (FHbO2).
- To emphasize that pulse oximeters measure SO2.
- To discourage the use of ambiguous symbols like SpO2.
Main Methods:
- Review of photometer capabilities in measuring blood oxygen parameters.
- Analysis of the intended measurement of pulse oximetry.
- Comparison of in vitro blood gas analysis with pulse oximetry measurements.
Main Results:
- Automated photometers may output both SO2 and FHbO2.
- The quantity measured by pulse oximeters is arterial SO2.
- The accuracy of pulse oximetry may be lower than in vitro analysis but still measures SO2.
Conclusions:
- Oxygen saturation (SO2) and oxyhemoglobin fraction (FHbO2) are distinct and should not be confused.
- Pulse oximeters aim to measure arterial SO2.
- The use of specific symbols like SpO2 should be avoided to prevent confusion with SO2.