GE HEALTHCARE B20, User'S Reference Manual

Page: 217 / 320

Pulse oximetry
13-1
13 Pulse oximetry
Safety precautions
Warnings
•
Allow sensor and cable to dry completely after cleaning. Moisture and dirt on the
connector can affect the measurement accuracy.
•
To prevent erroneous readings, do not use physically damaged sensors, cables or
modules. Discard a damaged sensor or cable immediately. Never repair a damaged
sensor or cable; never use a sensor or cable repaired by others. A damaged sensor or a
sensor soaked in liquid may cause burns during electrosurgery.
•
Inaccurate SpO
2
data can result if a sensor is past its useful life. Therefore, re-evaluate the
measurement periodically by performing additional assessment of the patient and
equipment, including consideration of use of alternate monitoring methods such as direct
measurement of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO
2
).
•
Conditions that may cause inaccurate readings and impact alarms include interfering
substances, excessive ambient light, electrical interference, ventricular septal defects
(VSD), excessive motion, low perfusion, low signal strength, incorrect sensor placement,
poor sensor fit, and/or movement of the sensor on the patient.
•
Physiological characteristics of the patient can affect the SpO
2
signal and readings.
•
NEONATAL - The display of inaccurate pulse oximetry (SpO
2
) values has been linked to the
presence of poor signal strength or artifact due to patient motion during signal analysis.
This condition is most likely to be encountered when the monitor is used on neonates or
infants. These same conditions in adults do not impact the SpO
2
values to the same
extent.
We recommend the application of the following criteria when using the pulse oximetry
function on neonates and infants:
− The peripheral pulse rate (PPR) as determined by the SpO
2
function must be within
10% of the heart rate, and
−
The SpO
2
signal strength should be adequate. This is indicated by the display of two
or three asterisks or the absence of a Low Signal Quality message.
Procedures or devices previously applied in your facility for SpO
2
monitoring should be
used in the event the SpO
2
value from the monitor cannot be validated by the above
criteria.
•
If the accuracy of any measurement does not seem reasonable, first check the patient’s
vital signs, then check for conditions that may cause inaccurate SpO
2
readings. If the
problem is still not resolved, check the SpO
2
module or sensor for proper functioning.
•
Oximetry performance may be impaired when patient perfusion is low or signal
attenuation is high.
•
The operator is responsible for checking the compatibility of the pulse oximetry monitor,
sensor, and patient cable prior to use. Incompatible components can result in degraded
performance and/or device malfunction.
•
SpO
2
readings may be inaccurate for a short time after defibrillation.