City Research Online

Abstract

PURPOSE: Pulse oximeter accuracy is important for the quality and safety of patient care. Methodological errors occurring during pulse oximeter accuracy studies can confound results. One potential source of error during pulse oximeter comparison studies is optical interference due to sensor-to-sensor crosstalk. Optical crosstalk can occur whenever pulse oximeter sensors are tested in close proximity of one another, as occurs during pulse oximeter comparison studies. METHODS: This publication represents the first comprehensive review of sensor-to-sensor crosstalk and other forms of optical interference during pulse oximeter comparison studies. A review of the published literature was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of optical crosstalk, along with other forms of optical interference, and a solution (shielding) is offered. RESULTS: When pulse oximeter sensors are placed close to each other, as occurs during comparison studies, the red and near-infrared light used can also enter an adjacent sensor and lead to error. Pulse oximeter manufacturers have designed systems to reject some forms of optical interference, such as ambient light. However, light emanating from adjacent sensors during comparison studies can cause artifact, and this can be exacerbated by sensor malposition. Proper sensor placement and use of optical shielding are the best solutions to prevent crosstalk. CONCLUSIONS: Crosstalk and other forms of optical interference can corrupt pulse oximeter readings. Proper sensor placement and use of optical shielding of sensors are crucial steps to help protect the integrity of the data. Studies to further characterize crosstalk during pulse oximeter comparison studies are needed.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
Publisher Keywords:	Pulse oximetry, Crosstalk, Light / optical interference, Penumbra effect / optical shunting, Sensor malposition, Optical shielding
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Engineering
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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