126 obtaining pulse oximetry data in infants - a randomised crossover study of probe application techniques

Abstract

Background: Pulse oximetry (PO) gives continuous and objective measures of heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation. It is used routinely to monitor infants in intensive care. HR is critical in guiding interventions during neonatal resuscitation and is monitored clinically. This is subjective, intermittent, may be difficult and inaccurate. Though not widely used at resuscitation, PO may be useful in objectively detecting HR and titrating FiO2. There are different methods of applying PO probes. We wished to determine the time taken to apply a probe, the time to display accurate HR data and the proportion of correct first displayed HR for each of three methods.Methods: Randomised crossover study ..