Co-oximetry

Sample type :

A blood specimen

Uses:

It is used to determine trends in a patient’s blood oxygen saturation levels and it is intended to warn clinicians of abnormal saturation levels.

Precautions:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

When placing the oximeter on your finger, make sure your hand is warm, relaxed, and held below the level of the heart. Remove any fingernail polish on that finger.

Sit still and do not move the part of your body where the pulse oximeter is located.

Interfering factors

poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, current tobacco use, and use of fingernail polish can affect the accuracy of co-oximeter reading.

Pre-analytical errors.

Smoking, inhaling secondhand smoke, having a fever.

Not accurate specimen labeling

Corrective action:

Breathe regularly and avoid smoking.

Accurate specimen labeling.

Postanalytical errors.

Delay the report.

Corrective action.

Do not delay in reporting.

Reference range:

Male: 8.4-10.9 mmol/L (13.5-17.5 g/dL)

Female: 7.4-9.9 mmol/L (12.0-16.0 g/dL)