Anaes SAQs · Measurement & monitoring physics
The physics of the pulse oximeter
Primary physics — the Beer-Lambert law, the two wavelengths (red 660 nm, infrared 940 nm), the pulsatile-addition method, and the limitations (the dyshemoglobins, the time lag, the poor perfusion, the dark-skin bias).
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Prompt
Describe the physical principles by which the pulse oximeter measures the arterial oxygen saturation, and its principal limitations.
Question
Describe the physical principles by which the pulse oximeter measures the arterial oxygen saturation, and its principal limitations.
References3ShowHide
- [1]Moon K, et al. Pulse oximetry - a perioperative perspective. Diagnostics, 2026.PMID 42351472
- [2]Leon-Valladares D, et al. Determining factors of pulse oximetry accuracy. Rev Clin Esp, 2024.PMID 38599519
- [42351473]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds) Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.