False positive rate of carbon monoxide saturation by pulse oximetry of emergency department patients.
BACKGROUND
Symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are non-specific. Diagnosis requires suspicion of exposure, confirmed by measuring ambient CO levels or carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). An FDA-approved pulse oximeter (Rad-57) can measure CO saturation (S(pCO)). The device accuracy has implications for clinical decision-making.


METHODS
From April 1 to August 15, 2008, study personnel measured S(pCO) and documented demographic factors at time of clinical blood draw, in a convenience sample of 1,363 subjects presenting to the emergency department at Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah. The technician then assayed COHb. COHb and S(pCO) values were compared by subject; false positive or negative values were defined as S(pCO) at least 3 percentage points greater or less than COHb level, reported by the manufacturer to be ± 1 SD in performance.


RESULTS
In 1,363 subjects, 613 (45%) were male, 1,141 (84%) were light-skinned, 14 in shock, 4 with CO poisoning, and 122 (9%) met the criteria for a false positive value (range 3-19 percentage points), while 247 (18%) met the criteria for a false negative value (-13 to -3 percentage points). Risks for a false positive S(pCO) reading included being female and having a lower perfusion index. Methemoglobin, body temperature, and blood pressure also appear to influence the S(pCO) accuracy. There was variability among monitors, possibly related to technician technique, as rotation of monitors among technicians was not enforced.


CONCLUSIONS
While the Rad-57 pulse oximeter functioned within the manufacturer's specifications, clinicians using the Rad-57 should expect some S(pCO) readings to be significantly higher or lower than COHb measurements, and should not use S(pCO) to direct triage or patient management. An elevated S(pCO) could broaden the diagnosis of CO poisoning in patients with non-specific symptoms. However, a negative S(pCO) level in patients suspected of having CO poisoning should never rule out CO poisoning, and should always be confirmed by COHb.
Division of Hyperbaric Medicine, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT 84143, USA. lindell.weaver@imail.org
Lindell K
LK
Weaver
Susan K
SK
Churchill
Kayla
K
Deru
Darryl
D
Cooney
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000097:blood*; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010092:Oximetry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin