Abstract
Fifteen pulse oximeters were compared. Their physical characteristics, price, warranty, information handling and displays were catalogued. Times for changes in data display and susceptibility to interference were assessed.
A model for comparison of oximeters under conditions of poor perfusion was developed using a tourniquet to progressively diminish limb perfusion pressure (systolic minus tourniquet pressure).
The oximeters evidenced a wide variety of features and performance in poor perfusion states. Instruments lacking a beep varying in pitch with saturation or a waveform/pulse bar display of plethysmograph signal were considered less satisfactory. The majority of instruments, with some notable exceptions, performed remarkably well in a state of diminished perfusion.
The study demonstrates that purchasers of pulse oximeters need to exercise care in assessing the suitability of particular instruments to their specific requirements.