Pulse oximetry
Intended for healthcare professionals
Art & Science Previous     Next

Pulse oximetry

Rachel Booker Independent specialist respiratory nurse and freelance medical writer

Pulse oximetry is a widely used, non-invasive technique for assessing arterial oxygenation by measuring oxygen saturation in peripheral blood vessels. It is a simple technique, but needs to be carried out with care to obtain reliable results. This article provides guidance on the safe use of pulse oximetry and identifies some of the advantages and limitations of the procedure.

Nursing Standard. 22, 30, 39-41. doi: 10.7748/ns2008.04.22.30.39.c6441

Correspondence

booker@tenthefirs147fsnet.co.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more