Effect of routine pulse oximetry measurements on ED triage classification

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
R L SummersR L Galli

Abstract

Pulse oximetry is commonly used to rapidly determine oxygen saturation and is incorporated in emergency triage as a screening for potential cardiopulmonary complications. This study examined the effect of routine pulse oximetry measurements on emergency department (ED) triage classification. Using a portable pulse oximeter, oxygen saturation of 1,235 adults presenting to a university-based, urban ED was obtained and each patient was assigned a classification of severity based on a standard 1-to-4 scale before and after the measurement. According to data obtained, a small but statistically significant group (2.8%) benefitted from the routine use of pulse oximetry in an emergency triage system and only 40% of these patients required admission or extended care. Although this group is small in number, the potential consequences of missing a hypoxic condition could be devastating for the individual patient. Since pulse oximetry is presently an inexpensive technology, it would seem to be a worthwhile screening tool for emergency triage.

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Citations

Jun 28, 2006·Pediatric Emergency Care·James Choi, Ilene Claudius
Mar 15, 2006·Academic Emergency Medicine : Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine·W Frank PeacockCharles E Emerman
Dec 9, 2008·Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America·James M Callahan
Mar 7, 2006·Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine·Jonathan P Wyatt
Nov 18, 2008·Prevention Science : the Official Journal of the Society for Prevention Research·Catherine P BradshawPhilip J Leaf
Nov 29, 2013·Journal of Child Sexual Abuse·Ayesha Khurshid, Kristine M Jacquin
Jan 26, 2021·African Journal of Emergency Medicine : Revue Africaine De La Médecine D'urgence·Lucien Wasingya-KaserekaUNKNOWN Kitovu Hospital Study Group

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