User's Manual

Radical-7 Chapter 1: Technology Overview
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This figure is for conceptual purposes only.
General Description for Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)
Pulse CO-Oximetry is a continuous and noninvasive method of measuring the level of
arterial oxygen saturation in blood. The measurement is taken by placing a sensor on a
patient, usually on the fingertip for adults and the hand or foot for neonates.
The sensor is connected to the Pulse CO-Oximetry instrument with a patient cable. The
sensor collects signal data from the patient and sends it to the instrument. The instrument
displays the calculated data in three ways:
1. As a percent value for arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2)
2. As a pulse rate (PR)
3. As a plethysmographic waveform
Successful Monitoring for SpO2, PR, and PI
Stability of the SpO2 readings may be a good indicator of signal validity. Although stability
is a relative term, experience will provide a good feeling for changes that are artifactual or
physiological and the speed, timing, and behavior of each.
The stability of the readings over time is affected by the averaging mode being used. The
longer the averaging time, the more stable the readings tend to become. This is due to a
dampened response as the signal is averaged over a longer period of time than during
shorter averaging times. However, longer averaging times delay the response of the
oximeter and reduce the measured variations of SpO2 and pulse rate.