MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Oximetry
What is oximetry?
Oximetry is a procedure for measuring the concentration of oxygen in the blood.
How is oximetry done?
This is done using an oximeter, a photoelectric device specially designed for this purpose. An ear oximeter is attached while a finger oximeter is attached to a finger.
What are pulse oximeters?
The oximeters most commonly used today are called pulse oximeters because they respond only to pulsations, such as those in pulsating capillaries of the area tested.
How common are oximeters?
Oximeters are now a virtual fixture in intensive care units, pulmonary units and elsewhere in hospitals and healthcare.
How does a pulse oximeter function?
A pulse oximeter works by passing a beam of red and infrared light through a pulsating capillary bed. The ratio of red to infrared blood light transmitted gives a measure of the oxygen saturation of the blood.
Are there other types of oximetry?
Yes. Oximetry can also be done on blood that is within the heart (intracardiac oximetry) or on whole blood that has been removed from the body.
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