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Comparing fetal pulse oximetry with scalp pH
N Johnson1, H McNamara, I Montague
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leeds General Infirmary, England, U.K.
Objective:
To determine whether pulse oximetry has the potential to replace scalp blood pH sampling in infants with abnormal cardiotocographs.
Study Design:
The average scalp oximetry reading in labor recorded with an experimental N400 system was compared with fetal scalp blood pH.
Results:
The average oximetry readings were unrelated to the pH of aerobically sampled fetal scalp blood. There was no subgroup of acidemic infants with a low oximetry reading.
Conclusion:
Pulse oximetry readings with present technology do not reflect scalp pH. The equipment is improving, but at this time pulse oximetry is not a simple alternative for scalp capillary blood sampling.