A proposal to make the pulse oximetry as omnipresent as thermometry in public health care systems

摘要

Pulse oximetry is a ubiquitous investigative technique in modern medicine and is commonly used in clinical settings since its advent in 1970s [1]. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive and painless test that measures arterial oxygen saturation levels that indicate the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites occupied by oxygen which in turn is a function of the arterial PO2 as defined by the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve [2]. Pulse oximeters can be of three types with distinct uses: (1) those with finger probe for individual personal use, (2) handheld units which focus just on oxygen saturation, and (3) stand-alone units which incorporate other parameters including ECG, capnography or blood pressure monitoring [3]. Given their small size and affordable prices (US$ 20-50), finger probe oximeters are as handy as thermometers. They can be used repeatedly by patients after adequate sanitization and hygiene. Clear gloves or finger sleeve can also be used by the patients to minimize direct contact with the oximeter in these COVID-19 times [4].