pulse oximetry

noun

1

: a method that utilizes spectrophotometry to measure the oxygen saturation of circulating arterial blood by means of a pulse oximeter

Her oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry was 97% to 99%.

—Charles Wiener

Before pulse oximetry, the only option for measuring a patient's oxygen saturation was a painful invasive arterial blood gas test and it typically took a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes to obtain the result.

—Keri Forsythe-Stephens

Pulse oximetry is a spectrophotometry technology which determines the arterial oxygen saturation by the detection of pulsatile blood flow and is based on differing absorption spectra of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin which includes the red and near-infrared wavelengths of light.

—Shruti Singh et al.

2

plural pulse oximetries : a test using pulse oximetry

… the patient would undergo pulse oximetries in their own homes conducted at rest, with activity, and overnight.

—Hospital Home Health

Examples of pulse oximetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the summary of an exam conducted six months ago, Harris’ vital signs showed a blood pressure of 128 over 74, a heart rate of 78 beats per minute, pulse oximetry of 100% on room air with a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute and a temperature of 98.7 degrees. —Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024

In 2022, Connecticut enacted a law banning insurers from denying home oxygen or other services based solely on pulse oximetry readings. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2024

Research has shown that dark skin pigmentation can impact pulse oximetry results since melanin absorbs more light, preventing the light from penetrating tissue to produce accurate readings. —Frank Chan, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Normal Ranges Most people have a normal resting pulse oximetry reading for oxygen saturation (SpO2) between 95% and 100%.1 This shows that your blood has an appropriate amount of oxygen. —Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

pulse oximetry

noun

1

: a method that utilizes spectrophotometry to measure the oxygen saturation of circulating arterial blood by means of a pulse oximeter

Patients should be monitored carefully by direct observation and pulse oximetry. Oxygen should be supplemented … to keep the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin between 90 and 96%.

—David A. Berlin, The New England Journal of Medicine

Pulse oximetry is a spectrophotometry technology which determines the arterial oxygen saturation by the detection of pulsatile blood flow and is based on differing absorption spectra of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin which includes the red and near-infrared wavelengths of light.

—Shruti Singh et al., Lung India

2

plural pulse oximetries : a test using pulse oximetry

… most pulse oximetries are taken during the day with the patient awake and sitting upright …

—Kenneth A. Wyka, Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine