Pulse oximetry measures blood oxygen levels. It indicates what percentage of the red blood pigment hemoglobin is oxygenated.
It can provide information about
- Oxygen deficiency in the case of lung diseases, such as pneumonia or an asthma attack
- Oxygen deficiency in the case of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Procedure
The patient wears a small finger or nose sensor. The results are saved over 24 hours and assessed at the heart and lung practice. At the heart and lung practice, the patient is shown how to put on the device. The device is then worn on the body for the entire night. The patient sleeps at home in their own bed, not at a sleep laboratory. The device is then returned to the practice the following day before noon.
Dark nail polish or false fingernails can alter the results. We ask that patients refrain from wearing these during the test.
Duration
6 – 8 hours (nighttime recording during sleep)
