Accuracy of Pulse Oximetry in Patients with Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To measure the accuracy of pulse oximetry in patients with hyperbilirubinemia. METHODS & MATERIALS: 39 intensive care patients (18 with normal and 21 with abnormal serum bilirubin levels) were studied. Oxygen saturation measurements obtained by pulse oximeter were compared with those obtained by hemoximeter. Bias and precision of the pulse oximetry measurements with reference to hemoximetry values were calculated. RESULTS: Bias and precision of SpO₂ measurements in patients with normal bilirubin level were -0.055% and 1.87% and in patients with high bilirubin level were -0.667% and 1.96%. All patients had arterial oxygen saturation > 90%. CONCLUSION: Hyperbilirubinemia does not interfere with measurement of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry when the oxygen saturation is > 90%.