Performance Considerations; Overview; Patient Conditions - Covidien Nellcor Operator's Manual

Performance Considerations

Performance Considerations
6.3

Overview

6.3.1
This section contains information for optimizing the performance of the moni-
toring system.
Verify the performance of the monitoring system by following the procedures
outlined in the SRC-MAX Pulse Oximetry Functional Tester Technical Manual.
Have a qualified service technician perform these procedures prior to initial
installation in a clinical setting and every 24 months as part of preventive main-
tenance. Reference Service, p. 7-72.

Patient Conditions

6.3.2
Application issues and certain patient conditions can affect the measurements
of the monitoring system and cause the loss of the pulse signal.
Anemia — Anemia causes decreased arterial oxygen content. Although SpO
•
readings may appear normal, an anemic patient may be hypoxic. Correcting
anemia can improve arterial oxygen content. The monitoring system may fail to
provide an SpO
Dysfunctional hemoglobins — Dysfunctional hemoglobins such as carboxyhemo-
•
globin, methemoglobin, and sulphemoglobin are unable to carry oxygen. SpO
readings may appear normal; however, a patient may be hypoxic because less
hemoglobin is available to carry oxygen. Further assessment beyond pulse oxime-
try is recommended.
Additional possible patient conditions may also influence measurements.
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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reading if hemoglobin levels fall below 5 gm/dl.
2
Poor peripheral perfusion
Excessive patient activity
Venous pulsations
Dark skin pigment
Intravascular dyes, such as indocyanine green or methylene blue
Externally applied coloring agents (nail polish, dye, pigmented cream)
Defibrillation
2
2
Operator's Manual