The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal
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Niger Postgrad Med J · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of nail polish and acrylic nails on pulse oximetry reading using the Lifebox oximeter in Nigeria.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES - Pulse oximetry is mandatory during anaesthesia, sedation and transfer of critically ill patients. The effect of nail polish and acrylic nails on the accuracy of saturation reading is inconsistent. The Lifebox pulse oximeter is reliable and recommended for low and middle income countries. ⋯ The mean SpO- for black and brown polish were significantly different from their control mean (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Black and brown polish resulted in a significant decrease in SpO with the Lifebox oximeter. Dark coloured nail polish should be removed prior to SpO2 determination to ensure that accurate readings can be obtained.