User's Manual Part 3

6-10
guidelines for appropriate disposal. Reuse of single-use devices can result in spread of
patient infection, degradation of monitoring performance, or inaccurate measurements.
• Do not use damaged SpO
2
sensors.
• Do not immerse the SpO
2
sensor in water, solvents, or cleaning solutions.
• Make sure oPOD is charged prior to use.
• Do not sterilize SpO
2
sensors by irradiation, steam or ethylene oxide. Refer to the
cleaning instructions for the SpO
2
sensor. The patient end of the sensor may be cleaned
per the cleaning instructions supplied herein.
• A pulse oximeter should be considered an early warning device and NOT to be used as
an apnea monitor. If a trend toward patient deoxygenation is indicated, blood samples
should be analyzed by a laboratory co-oximeter to completely understand the patient's
condition.
• Applying an oximetry sensor incorrectly or leaving the sensor in place for too long may
cause tissue damage. Sensors have no adverse effect on tissues when used according
to the direction for use provided by the sensor manufacturer.
• If the accuracy of any measurement does not seem reasonable, first check the patient’s
vital signs, and then check for conditions that may cause inaccurate SpO
2
readings. If
the problem is still not resolved, check the SpO
2
oPOD or sensor for proper functioning.
• Arrhythmic and/or erratic heart beats (or severe motion artifact, such as tremors or
convulsions) can result in inaccurate readings and/or prolonged measurements.
• Oximetry performance may be impaired when patient perfusion is low or signal (light)
attenuation is high.
• Interfering Substances: Dyes or any substance containing dyes that change usual blood
pigmentation may cause erroneous readings.
• Inaccurate SpO2 readings may be caused by:
1. Improper sensor application and placement
2. Elevated levels of COHb or MetHb: High levels of COHb or MetHb may occur
with a seemingly normal SpO2. When elevated levels of COHb or MetHb are
suspected, laboratory analysis (CO-Oximetry) of a blood sample should be
performed.
3. Elevated levels of bilirubin
4. Elevated levels of dyshemoglobin
5. Vasospastic disease, such as Raynaud’s, and peripheral vascular disease
6. Hemoglobinopathies and synthesis disorders such as thalassemias, Hb s, Hb c,
sickle cell, etc.
7. Hypocapnic or hypercapnic conditions
8. Severe anemia
9. Very low arterial perfusion
10. Extreme motion artifact
11. Abnormal venous pulsation or venous constriction
12. Severe vasoconstriction or hypothermia
13. Arterial catheters and intra-aortic balloon
14. Intravascular dyes, such as indocyanine green or methylene blue
15. Externally applied coloring and texture, such as nail polish, acrylic nails, glitter,
etc.
16. Birthmark(s), tattoos, skin discolorations, moisture on skin, deformed or
abnormal fingers. etc.
17. Skin color disporders.