A pulse oximeter is a small, non-invasive device that measures an infant’s blood oxygen level and heart rate. It provides caregivers with objective insights into a baby’s respiratory and circulatory well-being.
Why Use an Infant Pulse Oximeter?
Infant pulse oximeters serve various purposes, particularly for newborns. They help monitor oxygen levels to detect potential breathing, lung, or heart issues. A widespread use is screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD), allowing early identification of serious heart conditions. Early detection of low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) enables prompt medical intervention.
Caregivers also use pulse oximeters to monitor infants during illnesses, such as respiratory infections. The device is also beneficial for babies recovering from medical procedures or those with pre-existing conditions affecting their breathing or heart function. For parents, continuous monitoring can offer reassurance.
Where and How to Place the Sensor
Choosing the correct placement site and sensor type is important for obtaining reliable readings. For newborns and very young infants, common sites are the foot or the outer palm. For slightly older infants, a finger or toe can also be used. It is important to use sensors specifically designed for infants, as adult clips are too large and can lead to inaccurate measurements.
Infant sensors often come as soft, wrap-around types, sometimes with adhesive or foam tape to secure them. When applying the sensor, ensure the light emitter and detector portions are directly opposite each other on the chosen body part. The sensor should fit snugly against the skin without any gaps, but it must not be too tight, which could restrict circulation.
Before placement, gently clean and dry the infant’s skin at the application site. If the sensor has a cable, secure it independently to prevent dislodging during movement. For CCHD screening, specific guidelines recommend placing sensors on the right hand and one foot.
Getting Accurate Readings
Several factors can influence the accuracy of infant pulse oximeter readings. Infant movement, shivering, or crying can interfere with the signal, so it is helpful if the baby is calm and still during the measurement. Keeping the body part still for a minute or two allows the device to display a steady pulse waveform and a stable oxygen saturation number for at least five seconds.
Poor circulation in cold limbs can also lead to inaccurate readings; gently warming a cold foot or hand before applying the sensor can improve signal quality. Excessive ambient light, such as direct sunlight or bright room lights, can interfere with the sensor’s operation, so it may be necessary to cover the probe with a blanket. Proper sensor application is also important; ensure the sensor is not too loose or too tight and that the skin is clean. While skin color does not inherently affect readings, some devices may show inaccuracies with darker skin tones, and substances like nail polish or dried blood on the skin can interfere with light absorption.
Interpreting the Numbers and Next Steps
An infant pulse oximeter displays two primary measurements: oxygen saturation (SpO2), expressed as a percentage, and heart rate, measured in beats per minute (bpm). For healthy infants, a normal SpO2 reading typically ranges between 95% and 100%. However, in some healthy infants, especially newborns, readings may be slightly lower (93% to 97%) depending on age and altitude. A normal heart rate for infants generally falls between 100 and 160 beats per minute.
Monitoring these numbers provides valuable information, but it is important to always consider them in conjunction with the infant’s physical symptoms and overall well-being. If the SpO2 consistently falls below 90%, it indicates low oxygen levels and requires immediate attention. Additionally, watch for physical signs of oxygen deprivation, such as a bluish tint to the lips or skin, increased effort in breathing (retractions), or an abnormally slow heart rate. If readings are consistently outside the normal range or if physical symptoms are present, it is important to seek professional medical advice.