oximetry

noun

ox·​im·​e·​try äk-ˈsi-mə-trē 

1

: a method that utilizes spectrophotometry to measure the oxygen saturation of circulating blood or a localized region of tissue by means of an oximeter

The widest use of oximetry is in the detection of possibly lethal falls in blood oxygen in patients in operating rooms and intensive-care units …

—John Stone

Cerebral oximetry is a non-invasive method for measuring the oxygenation of brain tissue.

—J. Nazareth et al.

especially : pulse oximetry

2

plural oximetries : a test using oximetry

… 375 home oximetries were ordered by physicians in the Division of General Internal Medicine.

—Matthew W. Martinez

Examples of oximetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ocular oximetry is an algorithm that measures blood oxygen saturation levels in healthy patients' optic nerve heads and parafovea. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

As steps toward mitigating racial bias, Hewlett-Packard’s engineers marshaled a range of more inclusive approaches to oximetry. —Amy Moran-Thomas, Wired, 4 June 2021

An additional sensor measures cerebral and tissue oximetry. —Todd Nelson Special To The Star Tribune, Star Tribune, 13 Dec. 2020

Word History

Etymology

oxi- (in oximeter) + -metry

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing oximetry

• pulse oximetry

Medical Definition

oximetry

noun

ox·​im·​e·​try äk-ˈsim-ə-trē 

1

: a method that utilizes spectrophotometry to measure the oxygen saturation of circulating blood or a localized region of tissue by means of an oximeter

… in comparison to invasive blood sampling, oximetry is a rapid technique that does not generate discomfort in patients …

—Raul P. Garrido-Chamorro et al., Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport

Cerebral oximetry can be utilized to detect changes in cerebral tissue saturation, and anesthesiologists may be able to modify some of these factors to reduce the neurocognitive decline in cardiac surgery population.

—Anna Dubovoy et al., Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia

especially : pulse oximetry

2

plural oximetries : a test using oximetry

Screening overnight oximetries were ordered by referring physicians and performed before the initial visit …

—Joseph G. Parambil et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings