Categories: Respirology/ ICU

Factors affecting Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is almost ubiquitous in the acute medicine setting. It can be very useful but has its limitations. Some factors affecting it include:

  • Carbon Monoxide (binds up oxygen at higher affinity)
  • Cyanide (disrupts electron transport chain)
  • Methemoglobin (form of hemoglobin that does not carry oxygen)
  • Anemia (hemoglobin deficiency)
  • Cold extremities (hypothermia)
  • Fingernail polish/ extensive nail pigmentation
  • Intravenous Dyes (i.e methylene blue)

REFERENCES

  1. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
Get Medical Pearls directly to your inbox every week!
Weekly posts with high yield medical knowledge, directly to your mailbox!
Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

Share
Published by
Dr. C Humphreys
8 years ago

Recent Posts

Why is Tongue Scalloping seen with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Tongue scalloping refers to the series of indentations along the sides of the tongue that…

1 month ago

Older Age and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Older age is recognized as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.[1] But why? Suspected…

6 months ago

How does Weight Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)/Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is one of the most…

6 months ago

Nocturia and OSA: Mechanism

Nocturia is a common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea. [1] Img Cred: Am J…

2 years ago

ASD vs. VSD Murmur Difference

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Wide, Fixed split S2 (in contrast to the normal variation in…

2 years ago

Mechanism of a Mixed Apnea

Mixed apneas are characterized by absent respiratory effort and airflow in the first section of…

3 years ago

This website uses cookies.