Switching fingers every 2 hours with pulse oximeter???

[kevincoop]

Hi again,
I am asking the experts for opinions about this. I received an email about the CMS-50F wrist pulse oximeter asking about using it for overnight oximetry studies.
He pointed out that the manual states:
Uncomfortable or painful feeling may appear if using the device ceaselessly, especially for the microcirculation barrier patients. It is recommended that the sensor should not be applied to the same finger for over 2 hours.
But Contec's website states:
Can be used for monitoring daily activities and overinght sleep studies,The compact design is intended to give the patient greater freedom while improving patient compliance.

I have been doing overnight oximetry studies for years and have never had an issue with the probe. Our protocol states that we can request that the patient tape the probe if it is loose. I looked online to see if I could see why it stated that and I ran across this site:
http://www.medbc.com/annals/review/vol_ ... 6n1p41.htm

I guess my quesion is, has anyone ever had any issues with this? I don't want to market this for overnight sleep studies if they shouldnt be used for this.
Thanks,
Kevin

[sleepmba]

During my 10 years of performing sleep studies, I haven't heard of such a thing. The average length of one of my studies is 7 hours. During that time, the oximeter stays on the same finger. I've even run some 9 and 10 hour studies with no ill effect. The worst thing some patients have told me it that it was uncomfortable on their finger after some time. Rarely do I hear that.

It sounds like the oximeter mentioned in that paper was faulty.

[kevincoop]

Same here. I wonder if manufacturers have to put that warning in their manual for legal reasons??? Thanks for your input.

[billbolton]

Uncomfortable or painful feeling may appear if using the device ceaselessly, especially for the microcirculation barrier patients.

It took me 20 seconds with Google to find numerous hits on microcirculation barrier.

As with any theraputic device, co-morbidities do need to be adequately considered prior to its application to any specific individual.

Cheers,

Bill

[Madalot]

This is interesting because I use the 50F pulse oximeter for overnight studies. I don't consider myself as having unusually fat fingers or anything, but I DO frequently have a problem with significant pain. I've been known to change fingers during the night. Sometimes I wake up, either in the morning or during the night, with serious "pins and needles" type pain in my finger from the probe. I almost always have red marks from it the next morning.

I specifically bought this monitor for its ease (wrist model) but as well as for the "soft" finger probe. It's similar to the probe my DME uses on their handheld device. The one on the 50F is significantly tighter than the one my DME has.

That being said, I still like the device and use it 2-3 times per week.

[greg-g]

I Have A 50F pulse Oximeter .
Initially I found the finger probe very uncomfortable, and far too tight on my fingers. Out with the scissors.
Having used a disposable probe during my sleep study, and examining the 50F probe, I cut the side probe away from the wire going to the receiver on the bottom to completely remove the ridge on the right hand side. I also removed the ridge from the palm end of the probe.
I then place the probe on my finger and used two or three wraps on 1.5 inch medical tape around the probe to hold it together. It’s far more comfortable, and it hasn’t changed its operation.
I’ve actually now started wearing the probe on my middle toe with the receiver on my ankle. I extended the strap by sowing some loop Velcro together to allow hook section on the end of the strap to stick together. It’s a lot more comfortable. I wear a light sock to protect everything.
I can’t accept any responsibility if you damage the probe. A new probe is about $30 from China.

[Muse-Inc]

Kevin. that article is dated from the 90s...lotta changes since then. I used the CMS 50D handheld for about 2 weeks without incident. My skinny fingers weren't the greatest match as that clip is for me huge so I ended up taping it to my finger, Velcro-ing the cord to my finger at the knuckle, and taping the cord to the back of my hand to keep the clip from shifting & causing the alarm to go off all the time.

[dtsm]

I've used the 60D model and found it more comfortable to switch from one hand to another once, maybe twice a night. It doesn't impact on the data being recorded, except for the brief moment you swapped from one finger to another.