Henna dye: A cause of erroneous pulse oximetry readings

Abstract

Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive and continuous monitoring of the pulsed saturation of hemoglobin oxygen. Because of its simplicity and usefulness, it is part of monitoring recommended for any anesthesia in the operating room. Different factors may limit the use of this monitoring. We report a case of difficulty monitoring by the presence of henna in a patient scheduled for general anesthesia in prone position.

Keywords

• Anesthesia
• henna dye
• pulse oximetry
• surgery