Operator's Manual

Radical-7 Chapter 1: Technology Overview
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General Description for Carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO)
Pulse CO-Oximetry is a continuous and noninvasive method of measuring
the levels of carboxyhemoglobin concentration (SpCO) in arterial blood. It
relies on the same basic principles of pulse oximetry (spectrophotometry)
to make its SpCO measurement.
The measurement is obtained by placing a sensor on a patient, usually on
the fingertip for adults and the hand or foot for infants. The sensor
connects either directly to the Pulse CO-Oximetry device or through an
device patient cable.
The sensor collects signal data from the patient and sends it to the
device. The device displays the calculated data as percentage value for
the SpCO, which reflect blood levels of carbon monoxide bound to
hemoglobin.
Successful Monitoring for SpCO
A stable SpCO reading is associated with correct sensor placement, small
physiological changes during the measurement and acceptable levels of
arterial perfusion in the patient's fingertip (measurement site).
Physiological changes at the measurement site are mainly caused by
fluctuations in the oxygen saturation, blood concentration and perfusion.
General Description for Methemoglobin (SpMet)
Pulse CO-Oximetry is a continuous and noninvasive method of measuring
the levels of methemoglobin concentration (SpMet) in arterial blood. It
relies on the same basic principles of pulse oximetry (spectrophotometry)
to make its SpMet measurement.