Definition: Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation, or the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.
A pulse oximeter may be a separate monitor or part of a larger heart and lung monitor. It uses a probe with a red light and a sensor to measure oxygen levels. The probe wraps around a small part of the body, such a baby’s foot or wrist or a child’s finger or toe. As the light travels through the skin to the sensor, it measures the amount of hemoglobin that is carrying oxygen in the blood.
Because it uses light to measure blood oxygen, pulse oximetry is painless. In premature babies, probe locations are rotated several times per day to prevent the light from damaging preemies’ sensitive skin.
Also Known As: pulse ox, sats monitor
Examples:
The glowing red light on the baby's foot was her pulse oximeter, which made sure her blood had enough oxygen.
