pulse oximetry

noun

1
: a method that utilizes spectrophotometry to measure the oxygen saturation of circulating arterial blood by means of a pulse oximeter
Her oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry was 97% to 99%.Charles Wiener
Before pulse oximetry, the only option for measuring a patient's oxygen saturation was a painful invasive arterial blood gas test and it typically took a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes to obtain the result.Keri Forsythe-Stephens
Pulse oximetry is a spectrophotometry technology which determines the arterial oxygen saturation by the detection of pulsatile blood flow and is based on differing absorption spectra of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin which includes the red and near-infrared wavelengths of light.Shruti Singh et al.
2
plural pulse oximetries : a test using pulse oximetry
… the patient would undergo pulse oximetries in their own homes conducted at rest, with activity, and overnight.Hospital Home Health

Examples of pulse oximetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Research has shown that dark skin pigmentation can impact pulse oximetry results since melanin absorbs more light, preventing the light from penetrating tissue to produce accurate readings. Frank Chan, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 Normal Ranges Most people have a normal resting pulse oximetry reading for oxygen saturation (SpO2) between 95% and 100%.1 This shows that your blood has an appropriate amount of oxygen. Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2024 The medical device industry in partnership with the FDA is making a concerted, collaborative effort to revise standards and support making pulse oximetry equitable for all patients. Frank Chan, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 Though Biden's symptoms are mild, his respiratory rate, temperature, and pulse oximetry are all within the normal level, O'Connor said. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for pulse oximetry 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pulse oximetry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulse oximetry was in 1983

Dictionary Entries Near pulse oximetry

Cite this Entry

“Pulse oximetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulse%20oximetry. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

pulse oximetry

noun
1
: a method that utilizes spectrophotometry to measure the oxygen saturation of circulating arterial blood by means of a pulse oximeter
Patients should be monitored carefully by direct observation and pulse oximetry. Oxygen should be supplemented … to keep the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin between 90 and 96%.David A. Berlin, The New England Journal of Medicine
Pulse oximetry is a spectrophotometry technology which determines the arterial oxygen saturation by the detection of pulsatile blood flow and is based on differing absorption spectra of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin which includes the red and near-infrared wavelengths of light.Shruti Singh et al., Lung India
2
plural pulse oximetries : a test using pulse oximetry
… most pulse oximetries are taken during the day with the patient awake and sitting upright …Kenneth A. Wyka, Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine
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