Instructions for use
PRIMEDIC
™
Defi-Monitor ECO 1 / DM 1 / DM 3
108
19499 / 05.03
Which factors influence the SpO2 measure?
As the measuring of the oxygen saturation is an optical method, the following influencing factors might
affect the results:
•
direct sun light
•
strong artificial light (e.g. operating room lighting)
•
infrared lamps
•
ultraviolet lamps (bilirubin lamps)
The influence of the above mentioned factors can be reduced positioning the sensor correctly and
using covers of the sensors.
More influencing factors are:
•
dirty measuring point
•
incorrect cleaning of the sensor
•
opaqueness or colour distortion at the measuring point e.g. by nail-varnish
•
highly active patient
•
injected contrast media, (e.g. indiocyanide green or methylene blue)
•
high proportions of dysfunctional haemoglobin (carboxy haemoglobin)
•
wrong point of positioning (e.g. point with venous pulse)
•
use of the pulsoximeter close to strong source of energy like e.g. nuclear spin tomograph
•
sensor applied too rigidly
•
arterial occlusion close to the sensor
•
blood congestion e.g. by artery catheter or by sphygmomanometer
Some of these factors are easy to recognize (e.g. nail-varnish) and are removable; a repeatable result
can be obtained at a different measuring point.
Other factors (e.g. contrast media or blood serum disorder) are not as easy to be determined.
The SpO
2
measure
should not be the only method applied to monitor the vital functions due to this
multitude of influencing factors. More parameters must always be monitored (e.g. ECG, blood pressure,
respiration ...).
The SpO
2
measure can be an important instrument for the diagnosis of patients, when the sensor is
used correctly, the specific warnings and hints on the use of the sensor are observed and the clinical
symptoms are taken into consideration.