Pulse oximeters detect and quantify the degree of hypoxaemia in a way that is non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, and simple to perform. This makes pulse oximeters ideal for use in children in the primary care setting. However, although many GPs now have access to a pulse oximeter, few have received formal training in pulse oximetry and many are unaware of the potential for pulse oximeters to produce inaccurate readings in some patients and in some circumstances. This article discusses the use of pulse oximetry in children and highlights the need for GPs to be aware of the factors that can cause oxygen saturation readings to be inaccurate or misinterpreted.
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