Pulse oximetry is a generally accurate tool, but clinicians must be aware of its limitations in abnormal clinical scenarios.
Clinicians should interpret pulse oximetry cautiously outside standard conditions; this review leaves open needs for targeted validation studies.
OBJECTIVE: To provide a concise review of the history, technology, theory, limitations and outcomes of pulse oximetry. DATA SOURCES AND SELECTION: Articles published in major medical journals since 1985 critically appraising pulse oximetry were reviewed, as were numerous historical papers. RESULT: The pulse oximeter is an imperfect device, with numerous potential limitations. CONCLUSION: The pulse oximeter is reasonably accurate under most conditions. However, its reliability diminishes as the clinical situation deviates from the norm, possibly when accuracy is most needed.
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Robert F Grace (1994) studied this question.
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