Finger Pulse Oximeters in Hosptial Setting

Pulse oximetry is a well-established, non-invasive measurement tool used to estimate arterial oxygen saturation. The accuracy of these cheap, readily available finger pulse oximeters has not been robustly assessed in a clinical trial however. It is vital for clinical practice that this technology is reliable in tracking changes in oxygen saturations at times of ill health as varying physiological parameters may, in theory, contribute to inaccurate readings. This study will investigate whether these new devices provide a sufficiently accurate measurement of oxygen levels in the blood (when compared to arterial blood gas sampling) to endorse their use in routine hospital practice.