Techniques to measure and monitor SPO2 . index

This is an automatically translated article.

SpO2 is a vital sign of the body. Monitoring the SpO2 index to check the amount of oxygen in the blood helps the doctor detect abnormalities and take timely treatment.

1. What is SpO2?

SpO2 (Saturation of peripheral oxygen) is the saturation of capillary oxygen in peripheral blood. This index is measured very easily through the skin, via an SpO2 probe clamped at the tip of the finger, toe or earlobe. The purpose of SpO2 index is to detect the patient's hypoxemia early before there are clinical signs such as cyanosis. Continuous monitoring of SpO2 at the bed is a necessary, safe and effective measure in the process of patient monitoring. SpO2 index measurement mechanism: the SpO2 probe clamped at the tip of the finger takes advantage of the sensor on the underside of the meter to calculate the SpO2 index. The blue light at the sensor shoots into the blood vessels. The variation of the wave passing through the wrist will give the value of SpO2. Normal SpO2 ≥ 97%. At this time, the oxygenation status in the blood is considered guaranteed. A case of SpO2 lower than 92% reflects severe hypoxia that requires clinical management. However, the SpO2 measurement of the devices is not always 100% accurate. It can be affected by a number of factors such as: coloration of fingernails, toenails, abnormal Hb (Hb is the name for a component of blood), movement, hypoperfusion of tissues (due to shock) , use of vasoconstrictor drugs, ...)

2. Indication for measuring and monitoring SpO2

All operations in the operating room People with respiratory failure, heart failure, circulatory arrest emergency, cardiac arrhythmia, shock, collapse, hypotension Severe patients need resuscitation such as cerebral stroke, myasthenia gravis , cervical spinal cord injury with respiratory paralysis, Guillain Barré... Premature infants, infants with respiratory failure. Use SpO2 to assess the effectiveness of treatment, or to diagnose disease.

3. Procedure for measuring and monitoring SpO2 . index

Step 1: Check the instrument and bring it to the patient's bedside. Oxygen saturation meter measuring cable with probe suitable for the patient Step 2: Prepare the device, prepare the patient. Place the monitor (monitoring) in a convenient, easy-to-see, secure location. Place the patient in an appropriate, safe position. Turn on the SpO2 meter and connect the measuring cable, check the accuracy of the meter, set the alarms, low or high limit of SpO2 Step 3: Connect the meter and the patient by connecting the measuring cable to the finger or The patient's toe is usually passed through the transducer. Clip or stick the sensor on the tip of your finger, toe, earlobe or any perfused organ that can be attached Step 4: Wash your hands, record the monitoring sheet and take care of the patient

4. How to monitor SpO2 index?

Monitor SpO2 wave accuracy to pulse pulse to get accurate readings. Continuously monitor when alarms occur and record actions when SpO2 is low. Notes on SpO2 measurement technique:
It should be noted that there may be damage at the connection site with the patient due to long-term use or clamping the probe too tightly. In case blood oxygen saturation is too low, it will not be detected by SpO2, so it is necessary to monitor clinical manifestations but have a timely handling attitude. Low blood pressure or vasoconstriction reduces blood flow and arteriolar bounce, so SpO2 values ​​are no longer accurate. In CO poisoning: monitoring SpO2 is not accurate, it is necessary to do arterial blood gas to accurately determine the SpO2 index. Vinmec International General Hospital is a high-quality medical facility in Vietnam with a team of highly qualified medical professionals, well-trained, domestic and foreign, and experienced.
A system of modern and advanced medical equipment, possessing many of the best machines in the world, helping to detect many difficult and dangerous diseases in a short time, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of doctors the most effective. The hospital space is designed according to 5-star hotel standards, giving patients comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.
To register for an examination at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact the nationwide Vinmec Health System Hotline, or register online HERE.