Title: Overnight Oximetry | KidsHealth NZ
Headings: Overnight Oximetry
Overnight Oximetry
Key points to remember about overnight oximetry
What is an oximetry?
An oximetry test measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. It's a simple and painless test.
When is an oximetry test used?
Spot oximetry
Continuous pulse oximetry
Overnight pulse oximetry
How do I get an overnight oximetry for my child?
Is there anything else I need to do for an overnight oximetry?
Are there any risks from an oximetry test?
How do I get the results of an overnight oximetry?
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Content: It can help guide decisions about whether your child needs oxygen therapy. Sometimes when a child needs to use respiratory equipment at night for their breathing, continuous oximetry is used to make sure the treatment is working properly. Overnight pulse oximetry
Overnight pulse oximetry can be done in hospital or at home to measure oxygen levels when a child is asleep. It can be used in the following ways. to check for low oxygen levels (hypoxia) which may be due to poor or low lung function (for example, in a baby who was premature and may need oxygen)
to assess whether there are brief changes or drops/'dips' in oxygen levels (which may be related to possible disordered breathing during sleep)
Disordered breathing during sleep can be due to: narrowing or obstruction of the airway (called 'sleep disordered breathing' – see snoring or noisy breathing)
pauses in breathing (apnoea)
shallow breathing (hypoventilation)
How do I get an overnight oximetry for my child? Your doctor arranges an overnight oximetry test through your local hospital. Usually, a technologist or nurse will set up the oximeter in the hospital so that the settings and alarms are right for your child. They will give you instructions for using the machine, including how to place and fix the sensor for best results. You usually borrow the machine overnight and return it to the hospital the next day.