Study of Oxygen Saturation by Pulse Oximetry and Arterial Blood Gas in ICU Patients: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pulse oximetery is expected to be an indirect estimation of arterial oxygen saturation. However, there often are gaps between SpO2 and SaO2. This study aims to study on arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas among patients admitted in intensive care unit. Methods: It was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study in which 101 patients meeting inclusion criteria were studied. SpO2 and SaO2 were measured simultaneously. Mean±SD of SpO2 and SaO2 with accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were measured. Results: According to SpO2 values, out of 101 patients, 26 (25.7%) were hypoxemic and 75 (74.25%) were non–hypoxemic. The mean±SD of SaO2 and SpO2 were 93.22±7.84% and 92.85±6.33% respectively. In 21 patients with SpO290% and can be used instead of arterial blood gas.

Keywords

• arterial blood oxygen saturation; arterial blood gases; hypoxemia; pulse oximetry.