Pulse Oximetry and Vital Signs

[Guest guest]

As one who believes oxygen saturation should be checked as routinely as

temperature and blood pressure and that six minute walks should be a

standard part of an annual physical, I found the following interesting.

Nonin equipped five medical groups with oximeters to be used as part of

all vital signs checks. Over 1600 checks were done.

97% of the physicians reported the use of the oximeter enhanced patient

care.

7% of the spot checks resulted in some form of intervention. These

included referrals, administering oxygen, prescribing other meds,

x-rays, and hospitalization.