Evaluation of the Hewlett-Packard Ear Oximeter for use during routine air transport of patients

The Hewlett-Packard 47201 A Ear Oximeter was evaluated to determine the feasibility of its use aboard aircraft. At altitudes up to 2438 m (8000 ft), there was no significant difference between the mean predicted percent saturation of hemoglobin and the measured percent saturation in 25 non-smokers (94.6 +/- 1.9 vs. 94.1 +/- 2.4; p greater than 0.10) and 20 smokers (94.9 +/- 1.8 vs. 94.2 +/- 2.5; p greater than 0.10). The accuracy of the oximeter readings on five individuals was further confirmed with a blood gas analyzer aboard the aircraft. We conclude that the ear oximeter is accurate and reliable for monitoring patients during flights.