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?
Do you have any feedback for KidsHealth?

Content: Oximetry can be used to measure the amount of oxygen in your child's blood in either of these ways: as a quick and easy test done in a few minutes (spot oximetry), or
over a longer period of time, either at home or in hospital
Spot oximetry
Spot oximetry can be used to check for low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in newborn babies to help identify those who may have been born with heart problems. It only takes a few minutes. The neonatal doctor (a doctor who looks after newborn babies) will give you more information. Continuous pulse oximetry
Continuous pulse oximetry over a period of hours or days can be used in hospital when a child is sick. 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: