Recommendations to increase the validity and comparability of peripheral measurements by near infrared spectroscopy in neonates. 'Round table', section of haematology, oxygen transport and microcirculation, 48th annual meeting of ESPR, Prague 2007.

Several studies of peripheral measurements with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and venous or arterial occlusion have been performed in neonates. Results have been variable. Reasons include differences in patient populations, technical aspects of the devices used or the way measurements were made. It is therefore important that there should be common elements for measurement protocols. This statement proposes a standardised approach to allow comparison between different study populations and devices.