Pulse Oximeters

Pulse Oximetry is sometimes not accurate in the following situations:

1. During shock when the blood vessels are constricted and
there is no pulse. Other conditions where the pulse may
be absent included dehydration, heart failure, low blood
volume, excessive blood loss, peripheral vascular disease
and some heart problems

2. Bright lights in the room can sometimes interfere with
the accuracy of the oximeter.

3. The oximeter may also be influenced in the operating room
when the surgeon uses a diathermy or other electronic
equipment.

4. Those individual who are shivering or have a tremor may
give unreliable readings

5. Nail varnish/polish can also cause erroneously low
readings.