Title:

Pulse Oximeters and Accurate Readings

Description:

While pulse oximeters are a non-invasive and easy method for obtaining information about a patient's arterial flow, a pulse oximeter might display incorrect reading under some circumstances. For example, severe hypo tension or some types of cardiac arrhythmias may influence a reading and lead to an incorrect analysis. If a patient is shivering or if he or she is affected by bright overhead lights, a reading may also be incorrect. Also, if a patient's nails are painted, this may cause a pulse oximeter to exhibit a falsely low reading although natural skin tone or issues of jaundice should generally not affect readings.