Pulse Oximetry: Current Applications, Limitations, and Cautions

Course overview

Pulse oximetry is a widely used, non-invasive method for measuring hemoglobin oxygen saturation, with clinical applications for various conditions like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COVID-19, heart failure, and pediatric conditions. While it is generally safe and effective, clinicians must be aware of its limitations and potential inaccuracies. To ensure correct, effective, and safe performance of pulse oximetry, clinicians should follow specific guidelines. These include proper probe placement, understanding and documenting baseline SpO2 and trends, determining the cause of false alarms, and recognizing the dangers of both hypoxemia and hyperoxemia. While consumer-grade oximeters are available, they do not meet the same accuracy standards as medical-grade devices and are not intended for medical diagnoses. Despite its ease of use, pulse oximetry must always be interpreted within the full clinical context of the patient.