F&P Airvo 3, User Manual, Page: 43 / 216

A - 40 | Airvo 3 - USER MANUAL
English
9.3.2 Pulse rate
Pulse rate ( , PR) measurements are based on optical detection
of pulsatile peripheral blood flow by the pulse oximeter sensor.
The pulse rate displayed, in beats per minute (bpm), is an
average of measurements over a user-selectable period.
Small differences in the pulse rate displayed by different
equipment may be caused by different approaches to averaging.
Small discrepancies between cardiac electrical activity and
pulse rate obtained from peripheral measurements can also
arise. Large discrepancies between equipment may be caused
by:
• poor signal quality,
• low perfusion,
• improperly placed sensors or cables, and/or
• the patient’s condition.
9.3.3 Plethysmograph
A plethysmograph (or photo-plethysmograph) provides a non-normalized
indication of the change in blood volume measured by the pulse oximeter sensor.
The shape of the plethysmograph may change between patients, between
measurement site and for different sensor models. Low amplitude or variable
plethysmograph may indicate poor signal. The plethysmograph is displayed on
the Pulse Oximetry screen.
9.3.4 Signal quality indicators
Nonin:
Nonin pulse oximetry equipment indicate signal quality based on the perfusion
of the patient. There are three states: green, yellow, and red corresponding to
high, low/marginal, and low/poor signal quality respectively. During these
periods of low signal quality (signal inadequacy) pulse oximetry values displayed
may be incorrect. The Airvo 3 indicates low signal quality by greying out the
SpO
2
and Pulse rate numbers.
9.4 Description of settings and alarms
This section describes the behavior of pulse oximetry settings and alarms. See
the Alarms and measurement section (9.5) on how to make changes to the
alarm thresholds and settings
.
9.4.1 Patient alarm thresholds
The following alarms can alert you to changes in your patient’s condition:
• SpO
2
Low alarm
• SpO
2
High alarm
The corresponding alarm will be raised when a measurement is lower or higher
than the alarm threshold.
SpO
2
alarm thresholds are displayed on the Pulse Oximeter tile and Pulse
oximeter screen.