Abstract
BackgroundThe hard edges of adult finger clip probes of the pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (POOS) monitor can cause skin damage if used for prolonged periods in a neonate. Covering the skin under the probe with Micropore surgical tape or a gauze piece might prevent such injury. The study was done to see if the protective covering would affect the accuracy of the readings.MethodsPOOS was studied in 50 full-term neonates in the first week of life. After obtaining consent from their parents the neonates had POOS readings taken directly (standard technique) and through the protective covering. Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the new method with the standard technique. A test of repeatability for each method was also performed.ResultsThe Bland-Altman plots suggest that there is no significant loss of accuracy when readings are taken through the protective covering. The mean difference was 0.06 (SD of 1.39) and 0.04 (SD 1.3) with Micropore and gauze respectively compared to the standard method. The mean difference was 0.22 (SD 0.23) on testing repeatability with the standard method.ConclusionInterposing Micropore or gauze does not significantly affect the accuracy of the POOS reading. The difference between the standard method and the new method was less than the difference seen on testing repeatability of the standard method.
Highlights
The hard edges of adult finger clip probes of the pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (POOS) monitor can cause skin damage if used for prolonged periods in a neonate
Pulse-oximetry oxygen saturation (POOS) monitors are commonplace in paediatric intensive care areas and in neonatal units
The POOS monitor readings were taken in random order with the right foot covered with 3 M Micropore surgical tape
Summary
The hard edges of adult finger clip probes of the pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (POOS) monitor can cause skin damage if used for prolonged periods in a neonate. Covering the skin under the probe with Micropore surgical tape or a gauze piece might prevent such injury. Pulse-oximetry oxygen saturation (POOS) monitors are commonplace in paediatric intensive care areas and in neonatal units. Adult finger clips are cheaper to use and we have been using them across the neonate's palm or feet for obtaining saturation readings. The rigid edges of these probes when used for long periods can cause injury and skin necrosis as shown in figure 1. Injuries may be prevented if the palm or sole is first covered with a layer of 3 M Micropore surgical tape or 2 layers of gauze. This study was done to test the degree of inaccuracy introduced (page number not for citation purposes)
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