Nocturnal oximetry

Oximetry is a nighttime recording that measures the oxygen level in the blood and detects any deficiency, which is symptomatic of sleep apnea.

Comment s’équiper pour une oxymétrie ?

01. The oximeter

Before going to bed, place the oximeter on your non-dominant wrist and tighten the strap so that the device fits snugly against your wrist.

02. The cable

Insert the cable plug into the slot on the oximeter. The wire should go over the back of your hand.

03. The sensor

Insert the saturation sensor onto your index finger all the way to the tip. If possible, avoid nail polish.

04. The oximeter

The oximeter turns on and off automatically. Wear it on your wrist for the duration indicated by your sleep specialist.

Tighten the strap so that the device is snug against your wrist

Tighten the strap so that the device is snug against your wrist

If possible, avoid nail polish

If possible, avoid nail polish

The index finger or middle finger are the best fingers for placing an oximeter

The index finger or middle finger are the best fingers for placing an oximeter

Ambulatory oximetry

Oximetry alone is performed on an outpatient basis; it is a simple, non-invasive test. The patient picks up the oximeter at the center and returns it once the test has been performed at home.

It is a key diagnostic and monitoring tool in sleep medicine, particularly in tests such as respiratory polygraphy and polysomnography, where it is used to measure variations in oxygenation during the night.

Why is oximetry performed?

  • Oximetry measures the oxygen level in the blood during sleep.
  • This allows sleep apnea to be detected, when breathing stops briefly during the night.
  • Identify drops in oxygen levels, which may indicate a sleep-disordered breathing condition

Comprendre les données d'une oxymétrie

  • Normale : une saturation en oxygène entre 95 % et 100 %.
  • Hypoxémie modérée : entre 90 % et 94 %, nécessitant une surveillance.
  • Hypoxémie sévère : en dessous de 90 %, nécessitant une prise en charge par un spécialiste

Download the practical guide

Learn how to perform your oximetry test at home.
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