[ comparison of oxygen saturation measurements by hand and foot pulse oximetery and direct method inneonates]

ABSTRACT

Continues monitoring of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetery is known as a routine technique in critical care of patients. But previous researches showed some differences in it's measurement according to probe placement.In this cross sectional analytical study 36 admitted neonates below one months age were selected. Sampling method was convenience and sample size was estimated according to alpha = 5% and beta = 20%. Samples'1 oxygen saturation was measured three times by hand and foot pulse oximetery and direct method. Data was analyzed using paired t test.Analysis of results showed significantly difference between both two pulse oximetery methods with arterial blood gas. Comparison of oximetery methods with direct one showed more accuracy of foot probe [p<0/05].We concluded that pulse oximetery do not reliably predict changes in SaO[2] and also probe placement causes some differences in oximetery results: