SpO2 Monitoring
1-6 Introduction
SpO
2
Monitoring
A pulse oximeter is a noninvasive device that indicates the oxygen saturation
(SpO
2
) of arterial blood. This measurement is obtained through a probe that
directs red and near infrared light through arterial beds. Hemoglobin absorbs
these lights differently when it is bound with oxygen. Pulse oximetry mea-
sures this difference and translates the measurement into a saturation percent-
age that is displayed as an SpO
2
reading.
Indications
SpO
2
monitoring is indicated for use when it is beneficial to assess a patient’s
oxygen saturation level.
Contraindications
None known.
NOTE Readings should be carefully considered in the presence of certain circum-
stances. Inaccuracies may result from the use of pulse oximeters in the pres-
ence of certain circumstances, such as hemoglobin saturated with compounds
other than oxygen (such as carbon monoxide), hypothermia, hypovolemia,
patient movement, nail polish and excessive ambient light.
