EVALUATION OF THE HEWLETT-PACKARD EAR OXIMETER FOR USE DURING ROUTINE AIR TRANSPORT OF PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 52  (5) , 312-314
Abstract
The Hewlett-Packard 47201A ear oximeter was evaluated to determine the feasibility of its use aboard aircraft. At altitudes up to 2438 m (8000 ft) there was no significant difference between the mean predicted percent saturation of Hb and the measured percent saturation in 25 non-smokers (94.6 .+-. 1.9 vs. 94.1 .+-. 2.4; P > 0.10) and 20 smokers (94.9 .+-. 1.8 vs. 94.2 .+-. 2.5; P > 0.10). The accuracy of the oximeter readings on 5 individuals was further confirmed with a blood gas analyzer aboard the aircraft. The ear oximeter is accurate and reliable for monitoring patients during flights.