Evaluation of a new pulse oximeter testing device.
BACKGROUND
Valid routine testing of pulse oximeters and their sensors is problematic. A suitable testing device must not only generate the pulsatile signal the pulse oximeter requires for its operation, but must possess light absorption characteristics similar to those of living tissue. A new device called Pulse Oximeter Tester (POT) has recently become available which, it is claimed, addresses these problems.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the POT as a suitable stimulus for pulse oximeters.


METHODS
We tested all the pulse oximeters and their sensors with a set of POTs simulating blood oxygen saturation of 80%, 90% and 100%. The tests were performed at simulated heart rates of 30, 75 and 110 bpm.


RESULTS
The SpO2 readings (mean +/- SD) obtained with the 80%, 90% and 100% POTs were 80.7 +/- 1.3%, 90.3 +/- 0.9% and 100 +/- 0.0% respectively. There were no significant differences in readings obtained at the different simulated heart rates. Two pulse oximeters gave readings that deviated more than 2 SD from the mean. Their sensors were subsequently found to be defective.


CONCLUSIONS
POTs provide suitable stimuli for testing pulse oximeters. In our study sample they were found to be highly specific, but of unknown sensitivity.
Fisher
J A
JA
Department of Anaesthesia, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario.
Martire
T
T
Volgyesi
G A
GA
D006801:Humans; D010092:Oximetry