CHAPTER 81 PULSE-OXIMETRY REPLACES ARTERIAL BLOOD GASES

Impact of Portable Pulse Oximetry on Arterial Blood Gas Test Ordering in an Urban Emergency Department

Kellerman A, Cofer CA, Joseph S, Hackman BB. Ann Emerg Med. 1991;20(2):130–134

BACKGROUND

Prior to this study, arterial blood gas (ABG) testing was routinely performed on patients in the ED to determine whether their oxygenation was adequate. Based on price and frequency ordered they were rated as one of the 10 most costly ED tests. Large bedside pulse oximeters were used in the operating room and intensive care units, and portable battery-powered pulse oximeters were becoming more available. While these provided an alternative measurement of oxygenation, there were no studies demonstrating usability or utility or effect on management in the ED.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether introduction of a portable pulse oximetry monitor in the ED affected rates of ABG testing.

METHODS

Observational before-and-after study of all ABGs ordered in a single academic ED.

Patients

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