Comparing SpO2 device performance in clinical motion conditions

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GE devices compare favorably in third-party test of accuracy in SpO₂ and pulse rate readings¹

SpO2 is a basic measurements used in patient monitoring at a wide range of acuity levels.  A common challenge in various care settings is patient motion, which makes it difficult to capture readings continuously and accurately. This study investigated how certain SpO₂ devices and technologies behave in clinical motion conditions.

The study was conducted in June 2010 by an independent third party. It focused on the ability of each system to give SpO₂ readings and the performance of the system for defining pulse rate during motion conditions. Performances were compared to a reference monitor, and an adhesive sensor from the manufacturer was used with each device. The 12 volunteers had a range of dark, medium and light skin tones. The SpO₂ devices evaluated were:

• GE Compact Critical Care Monitor with TruSignal^TM v2 OEM board
• GE Compact Critical Care Monitor with E-PRESTN module
• Nellcor OxiMax^® N-600xTM pulse oximeter
• Masimo SET^® Radical 7 pulse oximeter

Each system was challenged with three types of motion:

• Palm down using a clenching, pressing and rubbing motion
• Palm up with twitching and clenching
• Tapping motion

SpO2 ranking. The SpO₂ motion event results were similar between the Masimo SET Radical 7, TruSignal v2 OEM and E-PRESTN module. The Nellcor N-600x ranked fourth.

Pulse rate ranking. For pulse rate, the GE Compact Critical Care Monitor with TruSignal v2 OEM board had the best performance, followed by the GE E-PRESTN module. These were followed by Nellcor and Masimo devices.

¹ Mikko Hyle, M.Sc., Pekka Vainio, M.Sc.