C5.7 Transcutaneous oxygen saturation

Oximeters typically have an accuracy of plus or minus 2%, which is satisfactory for routine clinical purposes. They are more useful for monitoring trends than in single measurements. If continuous overnight oximetry is required, standard oximeters are not appropriate (See section C5.3).  Oximetry does not provide any information about carbon dioxide status and is inaccurate in the presence of poor peripheral circulation (e.g., cold extremities, cardiac failure) and when readings are consistently below SpO₂ 80%.