Accuracy of Pulse Oximeters With Profound Hypoxia

After local anesthetic injection, a 22-gauge catheter is inserted in one radial artery. Pulse oximeters are attached to fingers, ears, or flat body surfaces. Subjects are in a comfortable semi-recumbent position. Subjects then breathe air mixtures containing reduced amounts of oxygen to produce the desired level of hypoxemia. Stable, safe, and controlled hypoxia is breath-by-breath by breath respiratory gas analysis and a computer program that permits the inspired gas mixture to be adjusted to achieve a level of lung alveolar gas that will achieve the desired degree of saturation.

Inclusion criteria

• The subject is male or female, aged ≥18 and <50.
• The subject is in good general health with no evidence of any medical problems.
• The subject is fluent in both written and spoken English.
• The subject has provided informed consent and is willing to comply with the study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• The subject is obese (BMI>30).
• The subject has a known history of heart disease, lung disease, kidney or liver disease.
• Diagnosis of asthma, sleep apnea, or use of CPAP.
• Subject has diabetes.
• Subject has a clotting disorder.