Pulse Amplitude Index - BCI WW1020 Operation Manual

Chapter 4: Operating Instructions
Hold the connector rather than the cable when connecting or disconnecting the finger sensor to
the device.
Figure 4-7: Disconnecting or Connecting the Finger Sensor to the Device
Do not use excessive force or unnecessary twisting when connecting, disconnecting, storing, or
when using the sensor.

Pulse Amplitude Index

The Pulse Amplitude Index (PI) bar graph can be useful in assessing the relative quality of the
chosen sensor site. The PI value is a relative measure of pulse-signal strength over time at a
pulse oximeter monitoring site, and is non-pulsatile in nature. Pulse Amplitude Index is defined
as PI = (100 * AC)/DC where AC is the alternating current (pulsatile component of the signal) and
DC is direct current (non-pulsatile component of the signal).
The PI value is represented as a 9-segment bar graph. The more bars lit, the higher the PI value,
and generally the better the sensor site. If only the first one or two segments are lit, the segment
color changes to yellow, indicating a technical alert condition. This indicates that the oximeter is
receiving a low signal quality from that sensor site, and further degradation of the signal quality
could cause the oximeter to lose its ability to obtain readings. A different sensor site should be
considered.
The PI value approximately maps to a 9-segment bar graph as shown below. The two lowest bars
(1 and 2) are bi-color (yellow and green), and bars 3 through 9 are green.
For the WW1020 Oximeter
NOTE! The PI value is a relative value that varies from patient to patient.
4-12
10.24 - 20.47
5.12 - 10.23
2.56 - 5.11
1.28 - 2.55
0.64 - 1.27
0.32 - 0.63
0.16 - 0.31
0.08 - 0.15
0.00 - 0.07
>10.2
>5.0 - 10.2
>2.6 - 5.0
>1.2 - 2.6
>0.6 - 1.2
>0.4 - 0.6
>0.2 - 0.4
>0 - 0.2
0.00
For the WW1000 Oximeter
Clinician's Operation Manual