title: Effect of recording site on pulse oximetry readings.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ambulatory oxygen requirements are routinely assessed and titrated using portable finger pulse oximetry. However, movement artefacts from hands moving or reduced circulation may adversely affect the accuracy of measurement. At Wythenshawe Hospital, we decided to use an ear oximeter routinely in addition to the finger oximeter.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate and compare the use of portable oximetry measurements taken from the ear and finger during ambulatory assessments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Before, during and after a six-minute walking test, 304 patients had ear and finger pulse oximetry measurements recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference between ear and finger measurements before and after exercise (p=<0.001 for both). The differences would have altered the clinical outcome in 27% of those assessed.
authors.affiliation: Wythenshawe Hospital.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Duck
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barraclough
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010092:Oximetry; D016138:Walking