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Pulse oximetry. Gold standard or false sense of security?
1Department of Anaesthetics, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|May 16, 1994
Abstract
Objective:
To provide a concise review of the history, technology, theory, limitations and outcomes of pulse oximetry.
Data Sources And Selection:
Articles published in major medical journals since 1985 critically appraising pulse oximetry were reviewed, as were numerous historical papers.
Result:
The pulse oximeter is an imperfect device, with numerous potential limitations.
Conclusion:
The pulse oximeter is reasonably accurate under most conditions. However, its reliability diminishes as the clinical situation deviates from the norm, possibly when accuracy is most needed.