Limitations of Use
Although pulse oximetry is a very widely used tool for monitoring blood oxygenation levels, it cannot offer a profile of blood gas analysis and cannot act as a substitute for taking a blood sample and examining it’s content. It can act purely as an indicator that something somewhere is interfering with the oxygenation of blood levels and is simply an indicator that further investigation is required.
A full medical history should be taken as certain conditions can cause false readings to occur, as can faulty equipment or excessive patient movement whilst the readings are being taken. The use of pulse oximetry is a very useful tool used by almost all health professionals and patients at some point. Without it, complications of many illnesses would go undetected for much longer causing prolonged strain and for the patient along with the possibility of the condition worsening.
