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Ear and fingertip oxygen saturation measurements of healthcare workers wearing protective masks.

Roberge RJ; Coca A; Williams WJ; Powell JB; Palmiero AJ

Respir Ther 2011 Aug-Sep; 6(4):26-29

http://www.respiratorytherapy.ca/pdf/RT-6-4-AS11-web.pdf

20039489

Minor, but statistically significant, differences in oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry were noted between N95 filtering facepiece respirators with and without an exhalation valve and one model of an clastomeric air-purifying respirator worn by healthcare workers over one hour at two low work rates. Pulse oximetry detemtinations at the earlobe were significantly greater than concurrently obtained fingertip oximetry values, but the absolute differences were small and would presumably not be of practical significance. The use of respiratory protective equipment by healthy healthcare workers over a one hour period is not likely to result in any clinically significant oxygen desaturations.

Respirators; Respiratory-equipment; Respiratory-protective-equipment; Face-masks; Filters; Filtration; Air-monitoring; Air-purification; Air-purifying-respirators; Clastogens; Health-care; Health-care-personnel; Health-protection; Respiration; Oxygen-uptake

7782-44-7

20110801

Journal Article

2011

4

2152-355X

NPPTL

Healthcare and Social Assistance

Respiratory Therapy: The Journal of Pulmonary Technique

PA