Introduction Monitoring Pulse Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) (Optional)
9 - 2 TM80 Telemetry Monitor Operator’s Manual
9.1 Introduction
Pulse Oxygen Saturation (SpO
2
) monitoring is a non-invasive technique used to measure
the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin and pulse rate by measuring the absorption of
selected wavelengths of light. The light generated in the probe passes through the tis-
sue and is converted into electrical signals by the photo detector in the probe. The SpO
2
module processes the electrical signal and displays a waveform and digital values for
SpO
2
and pulse rate.
The TM80 can be configured with Masimo SpO
2
module or Nellcor SpO
2
module.
For details about the SpO
2
parameter setup at the Central Monitoring System, refer to
Chapter 13 Monitoring with the TM80 at the CMS.
9.2 Measurement Limitations
If the SpO
2
measurement seems out of range or inaccurate, check the patient’s vital
signs. Then check the equipment and SpO
2
sensor. The following factors may influence
the accuracy of measurement:
â– Ambient light
â– Physical movement
â– Low perfusion
â– Electromagnetic interference
â– Dysfunctional hemoglobin, such as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and
methemoglobin (MetHb)
â– Presence of certain dyes, such as methylene and indigo carmine
NOTE
• A functional tester or SpO
2
simulator cannot be used to assess the accu-
racy of a SpO
2
module or a SpO
2
sensor.
• This device is calibrated to display functional oxygen saturation.
• A pulse oximeter should not be used as an apnea monitor.
• Pulse rate measurement is based on the optical detection of a peripheral
flow pulse and therefore may not detect certain arrhythmias. The pulse
oximeter should not be used as a replacement or substitute for ECG
based arrhythmia analysis.
• The MS board pulse oximeter can be used during defibrillation, but the
readings may be inaccurate for a short time.