Thorax
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Arterial oxygen saturation values (Sao2) from 60% to 98% were measured by the Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter with the three types of probe available and compared with values of oxygen saturation estimated from direct arterial sampling (arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions and pH) on 65 occasions. The response time of the oximeter was measured after a sudden rise in inspired oxygen concentration. Artefact rejection was assessed by arterial compression proximal to the probe site, and by simultaneous recordings of overnight Sao2 on opposite hands. ⋯ It was not possible to generate artefactual dips in excess of 2% Sao2, and the dual overnight recordings rarely showed even small dips on one tracing alone. The stored data can recreate oscillating Sao2 signals with wavelengths down to about 35 seconds, but not below. The Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter appears to be suitable for unattended overnight recordings of Sao2.