Determining the best method of Nellcor pulse oximeter sensor application in neonates

Abstract

Aim: To identify the optimal sensor application method that gave the quickest display of accurate heart rate (HR) data using the Nellcor OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter (PO). Methods: Stable infants who were monitored with an electrocardiograph were included. Three sensor application techniques were studied: (i) sensor connected to cable, then applied to infant; (ii) sensor connected to cable, applied to investigator's finger, and then to infant; (iii) sensor applied to infant, then connected to cable. The order of techniques tested was randomized for each infant. Time taken to apply the PO sensor, to display data and to display accurate data (HR PO = HR ECG ± 3 bpm) were recorded using a stopw..